REDDITCH United have postponed their return to the Valley Stadium for a second time after torrential rain over the weekend delayed completing work at the ground.

The Reds had hoped to play their first competitive home game of the season against Kings Langley, but now the fixture has been reversed to the Hertfordshire outfit’s ground on Saturday (KO 3pm) with United tackling Langley at home over Easter.

Work had begun to put down a lining of sand and rubber crumb underlay onto the surface, but the wet weather slowed down contractors.

United are hoping the surface will be handed over on September 2, with their first home game pencilled in for Slough on Saturday, September 10.

General manager David Lawrence said: “We had a delay in June when the torrential rain slowed down the drainage being installed. The sand and rubber crumb was due to be put down on Friday but the terrible weather prevented work being done.”

The renovation of the main stand and clubhouse was due to be completed this week.

Meanwhile, United have drafted in former Worcester City and Solihull Moors striker Mike Taylor from Stratford Town.

Taylor fills the gap left by the departing Clinton Morrison and boosts manager Darren Byfield’s forward options.

Byfield had to make an impressive substitute performance in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Kings Lynn when he set up Danico Johnson’s goal.

“Mike is a big strong, quick guy and I am delighted to get him on board,” said Byfield. “He played against us at the start of the season and was a constant handful.”

He added: “We were missing a few players on Saturday so I had to play myself but it’s not something I want to do very often as I am 40 at the end of the month.

“We were missing three in defence but we were camped in their half after the break.”

Defenders Riccardo Dudley and Clayton McDonald have served their suspensions and should be available for Saturday’s clash at Kings Langley.

Jordan Jones is still waiting for the birth of his child. United, who travel to Banbury on Bank Holiday Monday (KO 3pm), have also drafted in Paulie Apostolopoulous and Franklin Hazell.

Byfield added: “The work on the pitch is for the long term good of the club but we can’t wait to start playing in front of our own fans.”