REDDITCH United boss Paul Smith was first to put his hand up this week and admit he was beaten by a better side.

Reds were on the receiving end a 4-1 defeat at the hands of league leaders Kettering Town and Smith insisted he had no complaints about the outcome.

Smith said: “Kettering are a very good side. They were ruthless and punished us for two mistakes in the first half. In that respect we created our own downfall and from that point it was always going to be an uphill task.

“We were over-run in the middle of the park during the first half. But I made changes at half time bringing on Harry Franklin and Leam Howards.

“We were much better, started to get on top and deservedly pulled a goal back with an excellent strike from Danico Johnson. At that point, there was real belief that we could get something out of the game.

“Then Kettering go and score through a route-one goal which was really well taken by Dan Holman and from that point we were chasing the game.

“There’s no point dwelling on this result. We just have to knuckle down and get back on track again for Saturday’s trip to King's Lynn.

“If I’m honest, I don’t think people ever expected us to get anything out of these two games, so whatever we can pick us is a bonus."

Smith was also dismayed the by the size of crowd at the Valley Stadium with just 379 spectators attending.

Smith admitted: “It was nowhere near what we were expecting. Kettering took a huge following to their recent game at Stourbridge. We had hoped for much more”.

Smith will run the rule over former Blues and Partick Thistle player Jack Storer who is back in training after ligament damage and could feature at King's Lynn.

The Reds boss revealed: “We can select from a position of strength as I had to leave three players out of the squad altogether to face Kettering."