REDDITCH United stopped their rot of recent poor form with a sizzling 4-1 success over Needham Market to haul themselves clear of the Evo Stik South Central Premier Division drop zone.

Reds boss Paul Smith pulled no punches when he said: “I built this game up as the most important since I took over at Redditch.

“We’d gone six games without a win and that is something that I’m not used to as a manager and it hurt me. But wow, what an impressive performance it proved to be. The second half was one of the best we’ve put together for a long time."

Smith brought in new signing James Bowen from National League North side Leamington to play at left back, while former Blues and Partick Thistle player Jack Storer was restored to the midfield after being blighted by injury and the pair made a big difference.

Smith added: “James is a natural left footed player and gave us more balance while Jack was simply outstanding and came through the full 90 minutes.

“James had fallen out of favour at Leamington and lost his place in the side. He just wants to get games, so we’ve secured him for the remainder of the season.

“Although I’ve singled out a couple of players, there were some fabulous performances all around the park.

“But what was especially pleasing was the manner in which we responded after going behind to a dubious Joe Marsden penalty.

“Needham Market were awarded a second penalty after we’d gone 2-1 up but goalkeeper Adam Whitehouse pulled off a great save.

“In fact the second penalty was harder to save than the first, because Marsden put that in the corner after his first one went straight down the middle."

Reds had a penalty of their own to go 4-1 up after Shaquille Leachman-Whittingham had struck twice with Robbie Bunn also on the mark.

Danico Johnson’s initial spot-kick was saved but he was first to react and score from the rebound.

Reds have little time to rest on their laurels as they were due to visit Banbury United this week before entertaining third from bottom St Neots Town on Saturday at the Valley Stadium.