DAVE Hockaday has warned Kidderminster Harriers they must play smarter if they are to escape the Vanarama National League’s relegation zone.

The head coach was frustrated by Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Chester.

While he felt there were some positives signs, Hockaday rued lapses in concentration and key decisions by the referee going to Steve Burr’s side.

Kelvin Langmead fired Harriers ahead but Chester levelled in controversial circumstances when Ross Hannah scored four minutes later.

He had been played onside by Kyle Howkins, who was lying on the pitch with a head injury for several minutes.

There was more frustration for Hockaday after an error in midfield by Dino Fazlic allowed Jon Rooney to score early in the second half, before Hannah wrapped up the points with a late goal.

He said: "Chester were the better side overall but it’s hard to take when decisions go against you.

“Kyle Howkins had been down with a head injury for several minutes and couldn’t move off the pitch because he was disorientated.

“The assistant referee did not stop the game and a cross came in and Chester scored."

He added: “Our game management needs to be better.

“Chester’s second goal was of our own making because it came a minute after we had kicked off the second half.

“There has been a lapse in concentration and the ball is in the back of the net.

“Sometimes players go out just to play and they walk off the pitch thinking they’ve had a good game no matter the result.

“But it’s all about the decisions you make and how you manage the game."

Defeat means Harriers remain second from bottom as they head into Saturday’s home game against Aldershot (3pm ko).

Shots striker Matthew Barnes-Homer is ineligible to play as part of his loan to Kidderminster, while Luke Maxwell’s injury will be assessed and Hockaday may try to add at least one new face for the game.

He had already brought in winger James McQuilkin on non-contract terms and striker George Obosu.

McQuilkin had a brief spell at Aggborough during the 2011-12 season and recently played for Torquay.

Obosu, 18, had been training with Harriers for a month and impressed Hockaday.

Bournemouth midfielder Ben Whitfield has extended his loan period at Harriers to January 2.

Whitfield has scored one goal but has impressed in five games.

Fitness and goalkeeping coach Kevin Phillips has also joined to assist Hockaday.

Last Friday, an experimental Reds side drew 2-2 with Birmingham City U21s.

Kidderminster are also hoping to extend the loan of Walsall striker Jordan Murphy until the New Year. Aldershot is currently his final game but after scoring two goals in five appearances, the Saddlers will be pleased with his development.

Meanwhile, chairman Rod Brown, majority shareholder Colin Gordon and Hockaday will be quizzed by fans tonight.

l Fans can follow the action from Saturday's game with The Shuttle's live updates.