REDDITCH United boss Paul Smith insists his side can now start looking up after a lucrative festive period produced a handsome 10 point haul.

Smith said: "We're now closer to the Southern League Central play-off places than the relegation zone and if we continue to keep working hard, it will be interesting to see where it will take us.

"Ever since I took charge at Redditch, we've been constantly looking over our shoulder, but now we can start kicking on.

"There's no limit to what this squad of players can achieve!

Reds rounded off their festive programme with a convincing 3-1 win at Rushall Olympic.

Two strikes from Shaquille Leachman-Whittingham had cancelled out a Rushall goal from Dan O'Callaghan on the half hour.

But Rushall shot themselves in the foot when they had central defender Asa Charlton sent off after scything down Leachman-Whittingham when clean through on goal.

Smith admitted: "I thought the decision was a bit harsh as the incident was only just over the half way line, but Shaquille had got past Asa at the time.

"It was a bit of luck, but these things tend to even themselves out over a season.

"We were in the ascendancy at the time and I had no doubt we would have gone onto win the game in any event and a third goal from Dave Reynolds merely confirmed that.

"The only downside was the injury to Jack Storer, who appeared to suffer from ligament damage after just 10 minutes.

"Jack's due to have a scan on the injury this Thursday and everyone is keeping their fingers crossed the injury isn't as bad as it first seemed.

Smith also confirmed he'd lost both Mitch Piggon and Max Loveridge from his squad.

Piggon has signed for Sutton Coldfield Town while Loveridge has taken up a job in London, which prevents him from training and playing during the week.

Smith said: "I've got a lot of time for both players and wish them well. I understand that Romulus might be interested in taking Max.

"It means I will be looking to add one or two new faces to the squad and I've already got a number of seven day approaches in".

Reds look to boost their progress still further this Saturday when they entertain bottom side Bedworth United.