MATT Clarke refused to make any excuses after Redditch United drew 1-1 with bottom side Biggleswade Town at home.
The Reds lost ground on their play-off rivals as Johnny Johnston’s spot kick cancelled out Louis Yamfam’s penalty at the Valley Stadium.
Redditch sit one point outside of the Southern League Premier Central play-off places and Clarke admits his side simply had to win against the side propping up the division.
Clarke said: “We had four clear-cut chances in the first half, we’ve hit the post and the goalkeeper has made two unbelievable saves.
“We were really on top in the first half, it was probably the best 45 minutes we’ve had since I’ve been here.
“We just struggled to get going in the second half, it became really scrappy and we didn’t create anything.
“It was really frustrating, it was all about being patient but at home against bottom of the league, you’ve got to win the game I’m not going to hide or make any excuses.
“There were still some positives and you’ve got to look at the positives but it’s disappointing.”
The Reds went close to the opening goal as Johnston saw his deflected effort from close range come back off the crossbar.
Biggleswade goalkeeper Jack Berman then made a pair of stunning saves as he first scooped Johnston’s header from Alex Cameron’s cross off the line.
And Berman then produced another remarkable stop as he somehow tipped Cameron’s close range effort onto the crossbar.
The visitors made Redditch pay for their missed chances when Yamfam scored from the penalty spot one minute before the break.
Clarke’s men eventually drew level on 65 minutes as Johnston drew a foul in the penalty area and duly stepped to score from the spot.
Redditch are next in action against Halesowen Town on Saturday, December 21 with kick-off at 3pm at The Grove.
