Hardy Harriers face Dragons

9:00am Thursday 20th November 2008

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MANAGER Mark Yates believes Kidderminster Harriers’ miserly defence is down to his team’s non-stop work ethic.

The Aggborough side have become a tough nut to crack in recent weeks, keeping three clean sheets in the last four matches.

The high-flying side’s new defensive solidity has allowed them to progress in the FA Cup and break back into the Blue Square Premier’s top five.

“It’s pleasing to see that the lads are listening to what we’re telling them,” commented Yates.

“We work hard on what we expect from them and they’re responding to that.

“We have defended very solidly and that starts from the strikers right down to the back four.

“Even when we are opened up we know we have a very good keeper who will take some beating.”

However, Harriers’ impressive home defensive record of just four goals conceded all season will be thoroughly tested by an in-form Wrexham side at Aggborough on Saturday.

Dean Saunders’ Welsh wonders have won the last five matches and are one of the Blue Square Premier’s most potent attacking sides.

Midfielder Russ Penn could be a doubt for the game after a heavy challenge in Saturday’s win at Rushden left his thigh heavily bruised.

The 23-year-old is expected to be fit but if he doesn't recover former Wrexham man Dean Bennett could get his first league start in three months.

With a large contingent from North Wales expected to descend on Aggborough, the cash-strapped club are also relishing one of the biggest crowds of the season so far.

Yates said: “Their manager has come in and turned things around.

“He always had the players and they’re on a very good run.

“But we know that our home form is very good and I'm not concentrating on them, just making sure we’ll be ready for a tough game.

“Wrexham are bound to bring a few so we'll need our fans to be in good voice.”

With no other injury concerns, the manager has been given a double lift by two squad players.

First, striker Stefan Moore extended his stay at the club for another month at the end of last week.

Rookie midfielder Nathan Hayward also rejected a move to Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers’ youth team and opted to stay on at Harriers.

The 17-year-old has earned rave reviews while playing for the youth team and was included in the squads for the clashes against Burton Albion and Cambridge.

“I told Nathan to experience Wolves but he decided it wasn’t for him,” commented the manager.

“It’s great to see him here because he’s got the potential to be a very good player for us.

“He knows that he’s got to work very hard but he’s got a great attitude and is ready for the challenge.

“It also shows that our youth team is already paying dividends, which is important in the long run.”

After Wrexham, Harriers go to Oxford United in the league on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).