Redditch Utd 0-1 Stalybridge

Michael Bowler's goal a minute before half-time ultimately proved enough for Stalybridge Celtic who ran out 1-0 winners at struggling Redditch United.

Redditch manager Gary Whild told BBC Hereford and Worcester that his team was left to rue missed opportunities.

"If we had taken our chances then we would have come out with the three points," he said.

"Obviously the penalty miss stands out, but I couldn't really ask any more of the lads as they gave their all."

Redditch had the chance to take a first-half lead when striker Marvin Robinson was brought down inside the Stalybridge area but youngster Ryan Beswick's spot kick was saved by the Celtic goalkeeper Paul Phillips.

Anybody who was here today would tell you that we deserved to get something out of the game

Gary Whild

Stalybridge showed just why they have serious designs on a Blue Square North play-off berth a minute before the break when they took the lead courtesy of a well-rehearsed move from a corner.

The ball was played back to Bowler who drilled a 25-yard shot past Redditch goalkeeper Danny Lewis for what proved to be the match-winner.

United boss Whild said that, while everyone was disappointed to have squandered the chance from the penalty spot, this should not detract in any way from Ryan Beswick's contribution since joining on loan from Leicester City.

"I think the lad would tell you that it probably wasn't the best strike in the world," he said.

"But since he has come into the club I think he has scored four goals with a couple of penalties in that, so you can't knock him.

"He hasn't delivered today but he has given me his all and since he has been here his contribution to the club has been superb," he added.

Despite his disappointment at the final result, Whild felt there were plenty of positives to take from his side's performance.

He pointed out that the Reds have a wretched record against Stalybridge, but felt that he and Carl Heggs had got their tactics right, all of which meant it had been a close-run thing.

"We've never beaten them in all the time we have been in this league and they are a terrific side away from home," he said.

"So you have to be mindful of that, but I thought the way that we set up was right and as the game panned out you could see that.

"Anybody who was here today would tell you that we deserved to get something out of the game."