ROBUST Redditch United boss Paul Smith admitted to having a few choice words with his players at half time during their game against Lowestoft Town this week.

The Reds had fallen behind to an early Matt Brown goal but had clawed themselves back level by the interval through a Harry Franklin strike.

Smith claimed: "Lowestoft had come flying out of the traps and wouldn't give us any time on the ball.

"But what annoyed me more was the lack of work-rate from my side which is something I pride myself on and I told the players in no uncertain manner".

Smith's outburst clearly did the trick as Reds went onto claim a resounding 4-2 win courtesy of a couple of goals from Ahmed Ali with Leam Howards also on the mark.

Smith confirmed: "After the 4-0 defeat against Stourbridge in midweek, it was important we bounced back. But I couldn't fault my players on that occasion as they showed plenty of application. It was individual mistakes that cost us

"But even at 4-0 down, we kept going.

"Stourbridge are the best side in the league in my opinion and they've set the bench mark.

"We produced a great reaction to that defeat which proves to me that there's plenty of character in the side".

However it was Smith who got caught out himself later that evening when forced to stump up and supply Alvechurch's management team with a hefty round of drinks.

Smith revealed: "I had arranged to meet Alvechurch chairman Richard Thorndike after the game at The Swan.

"I was at the bar ordering a drink when Richard arrived, followed in one-by-one by his entire managerial team.

"I believe they were watching me through the window outside and waiting for me to go to the bar before they started rolling in

"What should have cost around £9 ended up at £42.

"Richard's clearly paying out too much money at Alvechurch. He's got a bigger managerial entourage than Chelsea!

Reds were due to face Smith's former club Highgate United this week in the Birmingham Senior Cup.

They have no fixture on Saturday, but then travel to top of the table Kettering on the following Tuesday.

In the meantime Smith will be looking to increase his squad this week after Kidderminster Harriers prospect Mason Birch left to join Worcester City after being unable to command a first team place.

Smith has also lost the services of Montel Gibson who has switched to join bottom side Bedworth United owing to work commitments which prevented him from training.

Having already lost Ollie Mulders the previous week, Smith insisted: "Although the three of them weren't featuring, they were all important members of the squad.

"I've served a number of seven day notices and hope to have a couple of players on board by the end of the week".