REDDITCH United fielded six trialists in the first XI as they started pre-season with a 3-1 home win over Lye Town.

New manager Tim Flowers got a good look at the unnamed players and also introduced new signing George Atwal.

The goals at the Valley Stadium on Monday night for the Southern League Premier Division Central outfit were from trialists and forward Alex Cameron.

The Reds took a two-goal lead inside 28 minutes before seeing out the victory in the second half over the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands club.

Flowers takes his side to Malvern Town on Saturday (3pm) for the second pre-season friendly.

Meanwhile, box-to-box midfielder Atwal, 20, has joined from Long Eaton United after the club lost Aram Soleman to a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury for a prolonged period.

Atwal is a youth product of Mickleover and featured for Long Eaton against Redditch twice last season in tight games that the Reds edged on both occasions.

Flowers said: "George is a player that came to our attention from him playing at the back end of last season at Long Eaton which coincided with them improving quite significantly with some of their results towards the end of the season.

"He’s a central midfield player who’s pretty much an all-rounder really. He’s tidy on the ball, has good energy and is technically a good player who also possesses a decent delivery from set-pieces.

"With Aram being injured for a period of time, we need to bolster our midfield options and he’s certainly one that will contribute over the coming months.

"We’re pleased to get him on board, particularly as there was interest from other parties, so we’ve managed to get him over the line fairly quickly.”

The Reds have joined forces with funders Prospect Coaches to develop 10 new community football coaches.

The programme will provide potential candidates with a free FA level one qualification alongside mentor support.

Reds will host an information evening for those who apply on Monday, July 15 at 7pm at the Valley Stadium.

For more details, visit redditchunited.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Alvechurch host League Two side Walsall in a pre-season friendly on Saturday (3pm) after opening with a 2-1 loss at Quorn last weekend when Dan Sweeney scored.

Church then visit Worcester Raiders next Tuesday (7.45pm).