REDDITCH United boss Liam McDonald was keen to take the positives after seeing his side held to a third successive draw – and believes the wins are just around the corner.
The Reds extended their unbeaten Southern League Premier Division run to nine matches on Saturday, but were left frustrated as visitors St Neots Town left the Valley with a 1-1 draw following an 80th minute equaliser from Lee Clarke which cancelled out a 52nd minute opener from midfielder Simeon Maye on his return to the team from a long-term injury.
The Reds are now fourth in the table but McDonald is very much looking upwards and believes successive home games against lowly Paulton Rovers and Frome Town on Saturday and Monday respectively followed by a trip to Histon a week on Saturday offer United a great chance to pile the pressure on their promotion rivals.
“Despite the fact we conceded a late equaliser, it was definitely a point gained for us on Saturday considering the awful conditions and the direct way St Neots were playing against us when we were defending the goal at the bottom end,” said McDonald.
“It was a sloppy goal we conceded but to be fair to them they had the conditions in their favour and they kept knocking on the door and got their reward.
“I’m not unhappy with Saturday, my bigger disappointment was seeing Monday’s home game against Kettering Town postponed as I know the lads were raring to go for that one.
“We are never happy with draws, we always want victories, but we have to look at the bigger picture and I am very pleased with what the lads are giving me.
“The wins are just around the corner if we keep going like this. We have a good chance now to leave ourselves six points better off come Monday night and if we manage that then we’ll be second in the table and in a great position to keep the pressure on (leaders) Poole Town.”
McDonald was thrilled to welcome Maye back into the fold for his first appearance of the season and, with talented midfielder Jamey Osborne again coming off the bench as he continues his recovery from injury and right back Kyle Haynes available to return this weekend, increased options are coming the manager’s way.
However, he is still keen to add a couple of new faces to the ranks and was looking at a couple of players this week, whilst McDonald is also set to make a seven-day approach for a player from Redditch’s league.
“We’ve lost three of 21 league games so far which is very, very good and if we repeat that in the second half of the season then we won’t be far away from where we want to be,” added McDonald.
“It’s fantastic to have Simeon (Maye) back because he’s an inspirational player for us. He’s keen to make up for lost time, as is Jamey (Osborne) and Kyle (Haynes) coming back will further strengthen us.
“We still haven’t lost a game with Kyle or Ash Sammons in the team, so it shows how much they give us. However, we do need to get the squad up to 18 or 19 because it’s tough when you are down to squads of 14 or 15 when injuries kick in.”
