REDDITCH climbed to third from bottom in the Midlands West Four South at the weekend despite losing 16-6 to league leaders Droitwich.

Fellow strugglers Dunlop, who went down 27-10 to Silhillians on Saturday, suffered a double whammy when they were docked two of their four points for fielding an ineligible player against Southam.

Second team winger Bob Khela was drafted in to the first team minutes before the 23-0 home defeat and did not come off the bench.

The club have been docked the standard two points but have lodged an appeal and expect a decision after Christmas.

With a potential four sides facing the axe from the Midlands West Four South Redditch entertain second-placed Pershore on Saturday (ko 2.15pm) as they bid to bridge the three point gap on the safety positions occupied by Stoke Old Boys and Berkswell and Butts.

It was the same old story at the weekend as the Kingfishers slumped to defeat in the league after a friendly victory the week before.

And captain Andy Douglas' latest comeback bid ended in disappointment when the niggling calf injury which has dogged him all season recurred in training.

I'm definitely out until after Christmas and have no idea when I will be back, he said.

I'm hoping to see a physio but after missing so many matches I'm struggling with my fitness, so I'll need matches for the reserves when I am ready.

Douglas was furious after the referee disallowed a Redditch try for a forward pass.

At that point the try would have put us ahead and swung the game, he added.

The ref admitted he couldn't see it properly as we left the pitch.

Full back John Daniels is available for Saturday but the club are still waiting for winger Mark Groom's registration to be confirmed and fear the Christmas post could hold up his competitive debut.