HARD-to-please Redditch United boss Paul Smith ripped into his players despite the fact they'd just held top of the table Kettering to a fabulous 4-4 draw.

Harry Franklin came off the bench for Reds to shock the leaders with a last-gasp 95th minute equaliser.

But that failed to impress Smith who said: "To be honest I was really disappointed. To go away from home and score four goals yet still not win is criminal in my book, so I gave the boys a telling off after the game.

"Kettering had only conceded seven goals in their previous 15 games, so from my point of view, this was a missed opportunity!

Redditch followed up with a 1-1 draw against high flying Kings Lynn Town last Saturday courtesy of another late striker from new recruit from Romulus Mitchell Piggon.

Smith insisted: "We were dreadful against King's Lynn and dead lucky to still be in the game at half time.

"They are the best side we've faced and we had to thank goalkeeper Reece Francis for keeping us in the game by the interval following two world class saves".

"But the fact we kept going is a testimony to the team spirit we have. There's a lot to be said for team spirit and shows we're all pulling in the right direction".

Smith has added versatile George Washbourne to his squad after snapping him up from Coleshill Town.

Smith said: "He's someone I've been after for a long time and only adds to the competition for places.

"George has plenty of experience at this level having previously played for Stourbridge, Hednesford and Sutton Coldfield Town.

"He's struggled with injury in the past but has been the stand-out player at Coleshill this season".

Smith had to put his hand in his pocket again this week after Robbie Bunn was on target against Kettering.

The Reds boss added: "Thankfully he scored with his right foot which only cost me £50. Had he scored with his left foot or head, it would have been £75!

The money goes straight into the player's end of season fund

Reds travel to St Neots Town this Saturday for an Evo Stik Central Division Premier contest which is followed by their Christmas jumper night out.

There's a £100 prize on offer for the best jumper and a £50 fine for anyone who doesn't take part.

Players wearing the same jumper as someone else are immediately disqualified.