REDDITCH United boss Paul Smith found himself on his lonesome in deepest Lowestoft at the weekend.

Smith had travelled down to the east of England coastal resort on his own during Friday night ahead of Reds clash the Lowestoft the following day.

The Reds boss explained: "I knew in advance that my assistant Matt Clarke wasn't able to make the game.

"I sometimes travel with my scout, but he'd gone down with a bad case of gout the day before. Both my coaches work together and they went down ill.

"In the end, I had to phone the team coach when it was on the way down to Lowestoft and spoke to board member Trevor Whittingham.

"I asked him if he would be my assistant for the day and explained I had no back room staff to help me.

"He borrowed some old kit of mine and joined me in the dug-out.

"I think he really enjoyed himself. He's even suggested that I should sack Matt Clarke, so he can do the job!"

Smith could have been forgiven for believing nothing was going right when Reds had skipper and central defender Andy Parsons sent off after just 16 minutes for a last man foul challenge.

Unhappy Smith insisted: "It was very harsh to say the least. Fellow central defender Rob Evans was closer to the goal than Andy, but there was no use complaining once the referee had made his decision.

"Even with 10 men, we were still head and shoulders the better side but Lowestoft's goalkeeper was in brilliant form.

"He pulled off one save in the second half which was one of the best I've ever seen in my life!

"We played really well and I was extremely proud of my players. We deserved much more than a 0-0 draw.

Smith boosted his attack prior to the game by signing Rugby Town marksman Denico Johnson - a former Reds player.

A delighted Smith added: "He's a big strong athletic type of striker who can hold the ball up - but he also knows where the net is.

"He's a real good addition and to be honest, I didn't think i would get him to leave Rugby.

"Denico made his debut against Lowestoft as was left as the lone striker after Andy Parsons' dismissal. He ran his socks off!"

There's also better news about Reds former Blues and Partick Thistle player Jack Storer. A scan has revealed no ligament damage to his knee and the midfield man should return to action within a month.

Reds have a local derby on their hands this Saturday when they host high flying Stratford Town at the Valley.