Redditch United boss Gary Whild had no complaints after their 3-0 Blue Square North defeat at Stalybridge Celtic.

First-half goals from Connor Jennings and Joe O'Neill, rounded off by Dave Hankin's late effort, earned victory for fifth-placed Celtic at Bower Fold.

And Whild suggested to BBC Hereford & Worcester: "They're the best side I've seen in two or three seasons in the Conference North.

"We can't complain about the result against a good side."

If the Redditch game plan had been to keep things tight early on, they soon had to re-think when Jennings put Celtic in front after only seven minutes.

And, when O'Neill doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour, there was no way back.

Redditch's problems were compounded in the final quarter when Jamie Oliver was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in three minutes.

"It was a lack of discipline on Jamie's behalf," said Whild. "He's got to realise that is something you can't afford to do at this level. He got a bit of a confused mind-set.

"That has cost us as he has let his team down on a day when it was difficult enough with 11, let alone 10."

The numerical disadvantage finally told when Celtic added an 88th-minute third through Hankin. But Whild felt there were still some positive aspects to take from the game.

"It was backs against the wall," he said. "But my lads kept going and they didn't throw the towel in.

"We had some chances as, by the nature of the way Stalybridge play, they will always give you a chance.

"Now we have just got to get ready for next week as we have a massive game in the FA Cup."

Redditch United head to Solihull Moors next Saturday for that FA Cup third qualifying round tie (10 October, 1500 BST).

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