REDDITCH United will bid to put a disappointing second half performance against Kings Langley behind them when they head to Somerset to take on Frome Town on Saturday.
Tim Harris’ side were full value for their 2-0 half time lead against Saturday’s lowly Hertfordshire visitors, but the hosts lost their way considerably in the second half as two goals from Mitchell Weiss – including a goal in the fourth minute of added time – rescued a share of the spoils for the visitors.
It was a bitterly disappointing end to the Southern League Premier match for the depleted Reds, for whom the absence of left back Nathan Fox with a hamstring injury has been confirmed as around a month, although United were able to hand a start to on loan (one month) Hednesford Town centre back Jim Mutton who impressed as he began his third stint at the club.
Harris said: “I am absolutely delighted to have eventually signed James, as over the last few seasons I have previously tried to obtain his services.
“Not only is he a local lad, but he is a solid defender who will certainly add to what we have available.
“It was very disappointing not to hold on against Kings Langley, but I’ve got to be fair and say they deserved a draw.
“We started well but lost our way somewhat. It’s difficult at the moment with limited options, but once again I couldn’t fault the lads’ effort.”
The Reds will be keen to build confidence with a positive result this weekend ahead of Tuesday’s visit to Southern League West play-off hopefuls Didcot Town for a Bigfreebet.com League Cup quarter-final which represents the club’s last chance of silverware this season.
There were certainly positives for 15th-placed United in the first half last weekend as they immediately got on the front foot and took a sixth-minute lead when Tristian Dunkley latched on to a through ball before coolly finishing past Martin Bennett.
Shortly before half time the lead was doubled when Ash Sammons converted a rebound, but that was as good as it got for the hosts as Kings Langley staged an impressive fightback.
Inspired by substitute and former Reds man Arjun Jung, the visitors suddenly started to work Reds keeper Ethan Ross, who was powerless to prevent Weiss from reducing his side’s arrears midway through the second half with a superb 18-yard strike into the far corner after Jung’s surging run.
Despite intense pressure from the visitors, Redditch looked set to hold out until Elliott Godfrey swung the ball into a congested box, Kieran Turner got a head to it and Weiss prodded home.
