HARRIERS manager Mark Yates was full of praise for his players' efforts, despite going down 2-0 to Coventry City in the FA Cup third round at the Ricoh Arena.

The Aggborough side had frustrated the Sky Blues and went into the break on level terms, before goals for Leon Best and Leon McKenzie broke their hearts.

Despite an impressive defensive performance, the manager felt his side did not do themselves justice in attack.

Yates said: "Coventry are a good side and we knew we would be up against it but I'm proud of my players."

"We stuck to the game plan to frustrate them for almost an hour until they scored their first goal.

"Then we had to try and open the game up a little more and then they got their second goal.

"They are a good side and have some quality players and they were just a little bit too good for us, particualarly as we were away from home.

"The only thing our players are disappointed with is that we didn't get the ball down and pass it like we know we can.

"There was no point coming to a place like this and going gung-ho and opening the game up from the start. We didn't think that was appropriate.

"But we defended really well. We got men behind the ball and we hoped to try and hit them on the break.

"But we were a little sloppy with our passing but I can't criticise the players for them effort.

"They know that they would have liked to express themselves a little bit more.

"Once Coventry scored their second goal the game opened up and we had more of the play.

"We were more adventurous and got more men forward but we could not make it count.

"We would have like to play a little bit better but I'm proud of the effort everyone put in."

With the FA Cup out of the way, Yates will now be focussing on Harriers progressing in the FA Trophy and maintaining their promotion push in the Blue Square Premier.

"We were never going to win the FA Cup but our priority is now the league and Trophy next week," said the manager.

"Ultimately we must stay in promotion race, that's what we're aiming for.

"We're right in the thick of it. Today we wanted to go and enjoy ourselves.

"We didn't enjoy quite as much as we would have liked but I don't have a problem with any of my players.

"They have worked their socks off. We just lacked a little bit of composure."


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