MATT Clarke is counting on fresh faces to ensure Redditch preserve their Southern League Premier Central status after a defeat to fellow strugglers Sudbury.
The Suffolk side gave themselves a shot-in-the-arm with a disputed goal in a 1-0 triumph over the Reds.
The visitors’ protests were long and loud that a late second-half effort had not crossed the line but to no avail.
Clarke admitted Redditch are struggling to find the net but he said that might change this week with the addition of a few faces.
There is a six-point buffer between Redditch and the pack below them in the relegation spots.
Clarke said: “Full credit to Sudbury, they had to win the game today. There was pressure on them, there was pressure on us.
“There wasn’t much in it. Probably the team who scored first would win it. I don’t if it was over the line or not – we’re clutching at straws. They were sharper than us.
“We got into some good areas. But we just appeared to throw it away. We are struggling.
“We seemed to run out of steam. They looked fitter than us. The game started to get on top of us.”
But both Sudbury and Lowestoft are five points behind. Both are within striking distance.
He said: “You have to back yourselves. We have not had to face this for a while. It’s an eye-opener for myself.
“We’ve identified two or three boys to come in who will do so this week. Hopefully, two will come in and help.
“We don’t score enough goals. We’ve been nowhere near good enough up top. Forwards need opportunities to score.
“Our home form since November, there have been a lot of draws. We are relying on everyone else around us not taking points.
“Everyone is bored of me making excuses. It’s on me. We have made mistakes from a recruitment point of view and that has affected us.
“We’ve got four home games, we have only lost one in five months at home. I’m hopeful we can get enough points at home.”
Redditch entertain near neighbours Bromsgrove Sporting next week. The Rouslers are just three points better off than their rivals.
Redditch’s boss added: “They are ahead of us for the first time in a long time. We have to deal with the pressure that comes.
“I’m confident. There will be a bit of flak. When you’re on a run like this, you deserve it. But I’m a fighter and I’ll keep fighting for as long as I can.”
