RETURNING manager Matt Clarke swooped for two new experienced midfield signings but they could not help Redditch United to a weekend victory.

The fourth-placed Reds fell 3-1 at lowly Hertfordshire hosts Royston Town in Southern League Premier Division Central with Callum Chettle starting and Ryan Inman coming off the bench as a substitute.

Chettle, 28, has joined on an initial month's loan from Spalding United who Clarke's side will entertain in the league on Saturday (3pm).

The midfielder has played for Peterborough United in League One as well as for AFC Fylde in the National League.

Chettle also lists Alfreton, Matlock, Boston United and Stamford among his former clubs.

Inman is another 28-year-old and the combative midfielder joins from Harborough Town with plenty of experience under his belt.

He enjoyed a spell in America while at High Point University before playing for the likes of Stratford Town, Chasetown and AFC Rushden and Diamonds.

Inman came up through the Birmingham City ranks before his move to the US.

In difficult weather conditions at Royston, Josh Dawodu fired a fifth-minute effort over for the hosts.

Redditch improved after a slow start but then conceded the opener on 24 minutes when Kian Harness scored at the far post following a corner.

George Atwal forced keeper Reuben Rabstein into his first save on 32 minutes but the Reds struggled to get going as they went in behind at half-time.

As the rain pounded down Inman came on for his debut when replacing Kartell Dawkins on 64 minutes.

But Royston quickly grabbed a second goal on 66 minutes when a short corner was eventually headed in by Archibald Locke.

Debutant Chettle was replaced by Billy Shaw on 73 minutes but within five minutes it was 3-0 when Luke Johnson scored on the break after the visitors had an effort cleared off the line.

Redditch hit back and forced Rabstein into a few saves before recent signing Jack Kelly pulled a goal back in injury-time from a Kyle Rowley pass.

Meanwhile, Alvechurch started new manager Tim Flowers' reign with a 1-0 home win over Bedford Town in Southern League Premier Division Central.

Archie Crowther's first goal of the season in the first half earned the points.

Former caretaker boss Richard Batchelor has left for Boldmere St Michaels to look for more game time.

Church visit Bromsgrove Sporting on Saturday for a league derby (3pm).