REDDITCH United will have double reason to bounce back from Saturday’s nightmare defeat to St Neots Town when they head to Ramsbottom United in the FA Trophy on Saturday.
The Reds were unable to build on a first minute lead given to them by striker Danico Johnson as the Cambridgeshire visitors hit back to win 4-1 at the Valley on Saturday and prevent Darren Byfield’s side making up ground on the play-off positions.
Luke Shearer provided the assist as Johnson gave United a flying start against St Neots, but Shearer then missed a good opportunity to double the advantage and the visitors hit back with four goals in a 33-minute period either side of half time as the Reds completely lost their way.
Byfield has called for a response from his team and knows that a second qualifying round FA Trophy victory in Greater Manchester this weekend would be the perfect way to bounce back as well as securing £3,250 in valuable prize money.
Byfield, who has finally been able to start holding training sessions with his side on their new 3G pitch this week, said: “I thought we made a really bright start and should have led by more than one goal, but complacency set in and we were heavily punished.
“We cannot afford for that to happen again and we will be aiming to bounce back at the first opportunity.
“It’s a welcome boost to be able to train on the 3G pitch and will really help the players become more at home on the surface.”
In the event of a draw on Saturday, the FA Trophy replay will take place at the Valley on Tuesday.
The Reds, currently ninth, return to Southern League Premier Division action at home to Weymouth on Saturday, November 19.
