HARRIERS boss John Eustace says his players are determined to hit back after seeing their long unbeaten league run halted by title-chasing Harrogate.

Kidderminster's 17-game sequence came to an end due to last Saturday's 2-0 loss. It was also their first defeat at Aggborough since the opening day of the season.

The manager is determined to get a reaction when his side go to Darlington this weekend in their quest to consolidate a play-off place.

He said: "The players were disappointed after the defeat but very determined to respond in the right way.

"We're all determined to start a new run again now.

"We've done really well at home this season but you can't dwell on losing games. That's what happens in football and it's all about how you respond to that.

"This Saturday's game is going to be just as tough, if not tougher, than against Harrogate. Darlington have a good team, are working hard to stay away from the relegation places and we have to treat them no differently to anyone else."

The Aggborough boss was keen to highlight the impact his squad players and match-day substitutes can have heading into the final months of the campaign.

He added: "We've got a strong squad but not a big squad, so everyone has a part to play.

"All of the subs that came on against Harrogate did really well for us and that's what it's all about.

"Everyone has had a part to play this season and that won't change now."

That proved to be the case against Harrogate when Sam Austin had to come in at short notice when experienced defender Jimmy O'Connor limped out of the warm-up.

O'Connor will now be assessed this week to see if he'll be able to feature at Darlington. Left-back Joel Taylor is also nearing a return.

Meanwhile, Harriers had Jonathan Flatt in goal last weekend after the keeper made a late loan move from Wolves due to a thigh injury to regular number one Brandon Hall.

* Kidderminster's will hold it's Annual General Meeting in the Aggborough Suite on Wednesday, March 21.