TIM Flowers felt his players showed a ‘big heart’ to secure a 1-0 win at newly-promoted Lowestoft Town on the opening day of the season.
Musa Ceesay’s early goal proved decisive as Reds captain Jordan Cranston saw red late on at the Crown Meadow.
And after starting his tenure as Redditch manager with a victory, Flowers now wants his side to be more prolific in front of goal.
Flowers said: “It was a typical early season game, we were guilty of far too many matches all over the pitch but we could have been out of sight at half time.
“We created quite a few chances, their goalkeeper pulled off four really good saves, in the end we showed a lot of spirit after going down to 10-men.
“We have to show more discipline and nous, I’m delighted with the result but there’s so much more for us to do to improve.
“I’d like us to be a lot more spiteful in the final third and that’s been a theme over pre-season as well.
“We’ve got loads to improve on but the players showed a big heart and willingness to have a right go and if you’ve got that then you can move mountains and get results you’re not expected to.”
The Reds made a bright start as Jaiden White played in Alex Cameron only for the latter to put his shot straight at Lowestoft goalkeeper Luke Holt.
However, the visitors broke the deadlock on 16 minutes as Ceesay finished from close range after Holt could only parry Cranston’s initial free-kick.
The away side looked to extend as their lead as Holt kept out Cameron’s powerful first time shot after tireless work from Harry Emmett.
At the other end, Reds goalkeeper Adam Harrison pushed Jake Reed’s low effort behind for a corner.
Lowestoft improved after the break and searched for an equaliser before Cranston received a second yellow card in the space of three minutes for a foul on Reed on the edge of the penalty area.
However, the Reds saw out the remaining 13 minutes and injury time to claim an opening day win.
Redditch host Halesowen Town on Monday, August 12 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Valley Stadium.
