LIAM McDonald said the margin of victory did not do justice to the comfortable nature of his side’s 1-0 victory at fellow high-flyers Corby Town in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday.
The buoyant Reds are now unbeaten in seven league and cup games after defeating a Corby side who are second – two places above United – in the Southern League Premier Division to bag £2,700 in prize money and set up a second qualifying round tie at home to either Ossett Town or Trafford.
Like Redditch, Corby went into the match in fine form having taken 16 points from a possible last 18, but the visitors were undaunted and once again proved their credentials against one of the division’s leading sides to launch what manager McDonald hopes will be a lucrative FA Trophy run.
Ashley Sammons netted the only goal of the game in the 13th minute when his angled strike beat Corby keeper Paul Walker to cap some fine approach play.
“I felt we dominated possession and chances and were always on top in that game,” said McDonald.
“We always looked likely to win and, even though it’s never job done at 1-0, we seemed comfortable and confident in everything we did.
“We have scored lots of goals recently and of course that’s great, but it won’t always be that way and this again proves what I’ve said lately that we are a very capable side defensively, and I don’t just mean the goalkeeper and back four when I say that.
“Corby are a good team and they were full of confidence but, as we did with St Neots Town earlier in the season, we’ve gone there (Corby) and put a marker down and given them plenty to think about for when we return there for a league game in early December.
“I am really pleased at the moment. We are defending superbly and always have goals in us, so we have plenty to be positive about.”
McDonald’s men were denied the chance to maintain their momentum on Monday when the scheduled league clash at home to Hungerford Town was postponed as a result of the latter’s FA Trophy replay, but he is confident his side can continue to flourish in Saturday’s clash in Somerset at lowly Frome Town.
McDonald added: “A good rest this week will do the players no harm and hopefully they’ll be raring to go at Frome. If we play to our capabilities then I am confident we’ll get the result we want, so the main thing is concentration and focus.
“I am confident in the team in this respect. The vast majority of the squad have come from lower level football so they are not arrogant or complacent in how they go about things.
“We are in a good place at the moment. The likes of Jamie Spencer, Calum Flanagan, Leavi Oshungbure and Dior Angus would be walking into most sides in our division, but they’re having to sit on the bench and wait for their chance at the moment.
“However, I cannot fault the attitude of these lads both in training and on matchdays. I’ve been in their position, they are footballers who want to play, but they accept the reasons for why they are having to wait for their chances.
“Their time will come and I am confident in all of them to grasp the opportunities when they do arise.”
Redditch’s FA Trophy second qualifying round tie against Ossett Town or Trafford will take place at the Valley Stadium on Saturday, November 15, which means the league game at home to Dorchester Town scheduled for that date will be rearranged.
Before that, the Reds travel to Southern League Division One Central outfit Rugby Town on Tuesday, November 11 for a Red Insure League Cup second round tie.
