REDDITCH United boss Ian King has challenged his players to win their places in his starting line-up as the start of the season fast approaches.

Reds kick off the new campaign at home to Banbury on August 10.

They continued their build up to the start of the new season with wins over Evesham United and Didcot Town.

Reds bagged a goal in either half to win 2-0 at Didcot Town last Saturday following last week's 2-1 success at Evesham.

King's men were due to hold Bedworth United at the Trico Stadium on Tuesday night before welcoming Mansfield this Friday.

The boss has now challenged his troops to force their way into his starting plans.

He said: "We're taking it step-by-step but the plan is falling into place.

"We've been looking at different formations, shapes and personnel.

"We are kicking off fairly soon now and we have got to the stage where players have to start staking their claim.

"We've worked hard and looked at the different things we wanted to but now the players have to step up and be counted. That's where we are at with only a few weeks left of pre-season. They need to show me what they can do and that they want a starting place in the team.

"It's going well and we've done well but we won't be getting carried away. We know the real challenge starts when there is points riding on the games. It's just good that we're moving in a forward direction.

On the Didcot victory, he added: "We're pleased to get as win. A lot of the results don't really matter in pre-season but it is nice to get a win on the board.

"To be 1-0 down at half time and to come back and play the second half where we spent a lot of time in their half and play some nice football was pleasing.

"If you keep plugging away and you keep passing the ball and keep trying to get in the final third then you get opportunities then to win the game. We ended up winning it in the end and I think we deserved to win it.

"In the second half we had more urgency about us and we pressed the ball a lot better and I think then you start to earn your luck."