REDDITCH captain Ashely Freeman says his side need a miracle to gain promotion this year after going down 3-1 to neighbours Bromsgrove on Saturday.

Bromsgrove took a first half lead and doubled their tally after the interval.

Redditch's Anthony Brookes made it 2-1 with a shot from the edge of the D but the visitors stretched their lead again before the whistle.

Freeman said: "Saturday we played really well but it was one of those games in front of goal where we just couldn't find the back of the net.

"We had countless short corners but we just couldn't score."

Freeman thinks promotion is now beyond his side but adds that his team will go out to win the remaining league games this season.

"After a good pre-season we had a lot of expectations for promotion but losing to Droitwich and Whitchurch has had an effect."

A visit to Rugeley will be next up for Redditch on Saturday but they will be without Steve Cook after he fractured his thumb on the weekend.