Harriers boss laments poor showing (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Harriers boss laments poor showing

7:20pm Saturday 28th November 2009 in Harriers

Harriers boss Mark Yates believes that his players can't use the departure of striker Matthew Barnes-Homer to Luton for their poor display in today's 1-0 loss to AFC Wimbledon.

Former Aggborough trialist Danny Kedwell's 20th minute strike ended Harriers' three-match unbeaten run in the Blue Square Premier, but that barely did justice to the away side's dominance.

The hosts were second best throughout and were watched by Barnes-Homer, who secured a move to Conference rivals Luton on Thursday.

Defeat also meant they could not take advantage of Mansfield's defeat to Ebbsfleet United and move into the top five.

But the news of the hitman's departure was not used as a reason for Harriers' poor showing by Yates.

"It happens in football and we've just got to get on with it," he said.

"The players can't use it as an excuse, it doesn't mean they we let them score a goal, that we only have two shots on target all game.

"Matthew was a good player for us, we know that, but we've got to move on.

"We've got two good players in his place. I thought Ryan [Charles] came on in the second half and gave us some spark, while it was tough for Damian [Spencer], we didn't pass the ball like we normally do.

"We went too direct and Wimbledon are a big unit and they beat us up and took three points.

"It was disappointing and Wimbledon were far better than us on the day and you've got to give them credit.

"They stopped us playing, imposed themselves on the game and we didn't have enough players taking responsibility and putting in a decent performance.

"We only had one or two players who had anything like a decent game.

"There were too many not reaching the standards they have set themselves and it's disappointing."

Harriers will be trying to bounce back at home in the league to Tamworth on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).

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