Redditch Utd 2

Stalybridge C 3

IT was a disappointing end to the season for Redditch United as they crashed to defeat at the hands of lowly Stalybridge Celtic.

And furious manager Rod Brown said the display summed up just why he was bringing in new faces over the summer.

"It was very disappointing," the Reds boss admitted. "I told the players after the game that the display was why I wanted to bring in five or six new players.

"We were 2-0 up and then let in three in seven minutes - and they were three very bad goals.

"The other disappointing thing is that the defeat took the gloss off our cup win earlier in the week. We have had a phenomenal season and Saturday's result has taken the edge off it."

The points looked to be in the bag for Reds as they cruised into a 2-0 lead against a Stalybridge side who only guaranteed their Nationwide Conference North status earlier in the week.

Goals from Rory May and Simon Hollis had put the Valley Stadium side in the driving seat only for the visitors to snatch victory through Nathan Wharton's double and an Andy Hayward strike.

Brown and a number of players are heading to the sun this weekend for an end of season trip before the manager begins his recruitment drive for the coming season.

In addition to new additions on the field, Brown is also hoping to secure the services of a two coaches, one a specialised goalkeeping coach.

The club are also working towards it's presentation night, at the Valley Stadium, on Saturday, May 21.