MIKE Fowler admits Redditch United must do ‘the horrible bits of game’ better after claiming a first win as Reds boss.
Redditch claimed a 2-1 victory against Worcester Raiders in their second pre-season friendly at the Diary of a Debt Collector Stadium.
Goals from Alex Cameron and Max McNulty earned Fowler his first win as United boss.
That came after Redditch drew 0-0 with Racing Club Warwick in their first pre-season outing.
However, despite the victory, Fowler admits his side must do the basics right before they can start to play nice football.
Fowler said: It was tough, it was a good workout, I don’t think we won enough physical duels throughout the game.
“We can talk about all different styles and systems but the basics are really important and we didn’t do that enough.
“Winning first contacts and winning headers and winning them well and clearances – the horrible bits of the game.
“I don’t want to be too negative because it’s a first win but we’re going to need to do the horrible bits so much better.
“We’ve got to be a lot better, it comes down to individuals and the mentality of the players.
“I want them to take responsibility and accountability [on the pitch], we can’t do the nice stuff until we get the basics right.
“I expect [the basics], I shouldn’t have to coach [the basics], I need to rely on them and we’ve got to build that trust in pre-season.”
The Reds broke the deadlock on 35 minutes when Cameron pounced on a mistake at the back to finish past the helpless Raiders goalkeeper.
And Redditch doubled their lead on 67 minutes as McNulty tapped home a trialist’s low ball in from the left.
Worcester halved the deficit on 75 minutes but the Reds held on to claim a first win under new boss Fowler.
Redditch are next in action against Sporting Club Inkberrow on Tuesday, July 15 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Sands Road.
