Character is the key for Reds boss Byfield after comeback victories - The Redditch Standard

Character is the key for Reds boss Byfield after comeback victories

Redditch Editorial 23rd Nov, 2016 Updated: 23rd Nov, 2016   0

MANAGER Darren Byfield hailed the togetherness of his Redditch United squad after they twice rallied from a goal down to win successive Southern League Premier Division matches.

After two goals in the final 11 minutes from new recruit Simeon Cobourne and Danico Johnson had sealed a 2-1 home win over Weymouth on Saturday, United were at it again on Tuesday as they recovered from conceding a first-minute goal to win 2-1 at Kettering Town.

This time, Pauly Apostolopoulos’ 58th-minute strike restored parity for Byfield’s side before fellow midfielder Max Loveridge made it 2-1 three minutes from time to secure a victory which moves the Reds up to eighth.

Byfield was full of praise for his side and believes a heart-to-heart chat with his players after their tame FA Trophy exit at Ramsbottom United has had a positive effect.




He said: “I am delighted with the team. They were superb in the second half at Kettering.

“I’ve seen a massive change in the past couple of games and everyone is working together.


“We’ve tweaked a few things, changed formation and basically just got it into our minds that teams are going to have to work very, very hard to beat us.

“I’ve told the players to remember that, even if we go a goal down, we do have the quality to hit back and that belief has been evident in the past two matches.

“You can’t buy team spirit, so to see Eli Bako travelling to Kettering to support the lads despite being injured and Danico so determined to play despite being in real pain with his knee is testament to how much these boys care.”

However, Byfield is wary of the competitive nature of the division and knows that, especially with his squad not being at full strength, the next tough test is just around the corner.

“We’ve got to try and keep this up now. Results will take care of themselves but our commitment and togetherness is something we can control and we will need both at Chesham on Saturday because they’re a good side who’ve just beaten a strong Hitchin team in midweek,” said Byfield.

“The aim is to put in another strong performance and really take each game, in fact each 45 minutes, as it comes.”

Byfield was full of praise for midfield duo Apostolopoulos and Cobourne and delighted to see their efforts rewarded with goals in recent games.

“Pauly has grabbed his chance and really impressed me,” added Byfield. “He’s come over from the USA to play football and try and make a name for himself and I say fair play to someone who goes to that length of commitment.

“Simeon has been sensational and his versatility out wide and up front could be vital for us.

“He played for Coleshill Town against me when I was playing for Solihull Moors in a friendly and caught my eye that day. I’ve managed to get him on board from Moors via Barwell and he’s been a great asset so far.”

Byfield, who remains on the lookout for new additions, will be forced to do without striker Johnson at Chesham as he rests due to his nagging knee injury, whilst midfielder Liam Spink is suspended.

“Danico will have to rest this weekend. He simply had to come off after ten minutes at Kettering,” said Byfield. “We’ve got to be sensible with it and we will assess him to see if he has a chance of featuring at home to Stratford Town on Tuesday.”

The Reds are five points adrift of Hitchin Town in the final play-off place with a game in hand.

YouTube

Check out the latest videos on our YouTube channel.

Advertising

Advertise with the Redditch Standard to reach your audience

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Redditch Standard newspaper.