McDonald beefs up Reds firepower

The Reds boss has signed a number of up-and-coming young strikers from the Midland Alliance.

Edwin Ahenkorah has joined from Rocester on the back of a season where he scored 20 goals for The Romans.

Ahenkorak is highly-rated and went on trial at Birmingham City last season. He marked his debut with a brace in Tuesday night's 5-0 win over Pershore Town.

Dan Pitt, who scored more than 20 goals for Highgate despite their relegation battle, has also signed.

From Hinckley comes centre forward Harvey Headley, who started out as a trainee at Coventry and also played for Tamworth and Solihull Moors.

Rookie winger Joel Ambalu has also joined after his release from West Bromwich Albion.

With Kyle Patterson and Charlie Reece already on board, McDonald admits he wants the goals to flow and plenty of competition going forward.

He said: “Last season we didn’t score enough goals so I want to make sure that’s not a problem this season.

“Harvey is a strong player who can hold up the ball well and has good movement, while Dan and Edwin have both scored a lot of goals in the Alliance.

“I am giving them their opportunity to prove themselves.

“Dan was wanted by Nuneaton but had had a look at them and decided to come to Redditch.

“It’s a big step up to the Conference and perhaps he thought he would play more here.

“And, by all accounts Joel was unlucky to be released by West Brom.”

Under-18s player Dan Brown has also been called up to the senior squad as the prepartions for the new season continue.

Redditch kicked-off their pre-season programme last night at Pershore Town but face tougher opposition on Saturday at Hednesford Town (3pm ko).

“I have been very impressed by what I’ve seen from the players so far,” added the United boss. “I am pleased about where we are in terms of fitness.

“The squad has been reduced from 26 to 21 but the friendlies are a chance for the players to impress me.”