NEW Redditch United manager Nicky Cross had a weekend to forget as his side played out back-to-back games to bring their Valley Stadium season to a close.

Cross, named as the Reds' new boss in midweek, saw his side squander a two-goal lead at home to Gresley Rovers on Saturday before slumping to a 4-3 defeat ... and was punched by visiting defender Jamie Roberts in the process.

Roberts was sent off but ten-man Gresley still managed to come from behind to snatch victory thanks to a header from their player-manager, former Bolton Wanderers striker John McGinlay, ten minutes from time.

Ian Bennett netted a hat-trick for Redditch, including a second half penalty, but these were cancelled out by strikes from Roberts and a Simon Tucker double.

Cross was unavailable for Sunday's 2-2 draw with promotion-chasing Mangotsfield United. With 'keeper Harvey Willetts another absentee, acting manager Ian Mitchell was forced to don the green jersey.

Once again Redditch coasted into a two-goal lead, Matt Hall and Mark Swann giving them their half-time advantage, only for the West Country side to claw their way back.

Mangotsfield 'keeper Paul Thompson drilled home a penalty at the start of the second half with Chris Churchill adding a second on the hour.

The visitors almost grabbed all three points but Mitchell pulled off an excellent save to deny Dean Pendry late on.