JOHN Eustace called on his players to respond to Tuesday night’s disappointing defeat to Brackley Town when they take on Chorley at home on Saturday.

The Reds have experienced a contrasting opening week in the National North.

Harriers recorded their biggest opening day win since 1947 when they thrashed Curzon Ashton 6-1 at the Tameside Stadium last Saturday.

But an experienced Brackley side brought them back down to earth on Tuesday evening, winning 2-1 at Aggborough.

Goals for James Armson and Alex Gudger had fired the Northamptonshire outfit ahead before winger Tyrell Waite’s penalty halved the deficit.

It marred manager Eustace’s first competitive home game in charge of the Redes and he’s keen for a much-improved display against this weekend’s visitors from Lancashire (3pm ko).

“We were really disappointing, we weren’t brave on the ball and didn’t play any football,” said Eustace.

“Maybe the lads thought they could turn up after the Curzon game and it would just happen, so it was a good lesson and we move on to Saturday.

“I thought Andre Brown was fantastic when he came on and had a good game.

“Sam Hornby in goal was great, so there were a couple of positives, but overall there were a lot of negatives we have to learn from.

“We have a very young group and they will be learning all the time. Brackley are well-organised and a very good team.”

Last season, Harriers were relegated from the Vanarama National League and only won five games at home and Eustace is keen to make Aggborough a fortress.

He added: “It is an important game for us on Saturday and we need to bounce back.

“We want to make Aggborough a place fans can come and watch exciting football.

“It didn’t happen against Brackley and now we’ve got a great game against Chorley to bounce back and hopefully we can do it.”

Harriers, who go to Nuneaton next Tuesday, are set for a boost as experienced defender Wayne Thomas nears full fitness after his groin injury.

The former Stoke centre-back missed the first two games through suspension but with more than 500 games under his belt, Thomas’ influence will be vital.

Meanwhile, Harriers could be set for a £50,000 windfall as Brighton Hove Albion have been linked with a £500,000 move for Motherwell winger Marvin Johnson.

The winger was sold to the Scottish side in January 2015 with a 10 per cent sell-on fee.

l For reports from the first two games, go to: kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/sport/