KERON Jackson admitted Redditch United’s 2-0 home defeat against play-off rivals Mickleover was a ‘sickener’ after the Reds conceded two late goals.
Substitute Marcus Barnes struck twice in the final 10 minutes to settle the game at Valley Stadium as the Reds lost ground on their promotion rivals.
Reds assistant manager Jackson took charge of the side in the absence of manager Matt Clarke who has taken an immediate break from football and felt the final scoreline was harsh on the home team.
Jackson said: “We know our roles and responsibilities, for us it’s just business as usual, the players have been first class.
“It was a sickener, to come away with a two-nil defeat isn’t a true reflection of the game, we have to move on quickly and take it on the chin.
“We’re already planning for the next game against Royston in a couple of weeks, there’s areas we need to improve on, I’ve got a lot of confidence in this group.
“It’s refreshing [to have a fully fit squad], it increases the competition for places, as a group we’re going in the right direction and we’ll just keep going.”
Redditch survived an early scare as Matt Fulloway produced a stunning headed clearance on the line to deflect Ben Sault’s shot over the bar for a corner with the goal at the striker’s mercy.
At the other end, Aram Soleman drove into the box and created space for a shot with Mickleover goalkeeper Lewis Ridd equal to the midfielder’s effort before he also denied Alex Cameron.
However, Barnes broke the deadlock on 80 minutes after running with the ball from deep inside his own half before firing a shot into the bottom right corner from the edge of the penalty area.
And Barnes sealed the points for the visitors in injury time with a cool finish past Adam Harrison when one-on-one.
Redditch are next in action away at Royston Town on Saturday, March 16 with kick-off at 3pm at Garden Walk.
