MATT Gardiner was buoyed by Harriers’ 2-1 pre-season loss to West Bromwich Albion yesterday.

A very strong line-up from the Premier League outfit won thanks to a goal in each half from Saido Berhahino.

Harriers produced an encouraging display and pulled a goal back late on when a trialist scored from the penalty spot.

There were lots of postives for the Reds coach, although he refused to be drawn on the name of the host of trialists used in the second half.

“We said that we were going to concentrate on fitness and it was a very good work out,” said the head of coaching.

“West Brom are a very good side and you could see the way they moved the ball and punished us but equally there were good signs for us.

“I liked how much territory we had, not just possession, and we spent a lot of time in their half and final third.

"Obviously we’re still working on that and it will come but we’re happy with the way the game panned out.”

He added: “The goals were from two errors from us but they are Premier League strikers.

“I thought the players played very well and they could all be very proud of themselves.

“When you see all the young players come on and do well it all bodes well.”

Kidderminster face four games this week, starting with a Worcestershire Senior Cup clash at Stourbridge tomorrow and Burton Albion at home on Tuesday.

Harriers go to Stourport Swifts on Thursday and then tackle Doncaster at home on Saturday.

Gardiner said: “We have four games next week and we will have to look at the minutes but it’s all about being ready for the first match of the season against Curzon Ashton.”

Meanwhile, confirmed that Wayne Thomas missed yesterday’s clash because he had been best man at a wedding.

Striker Mani Dieseruvwe is also nursing an ankle injury.

“We’re being ultra-cautious with Mani, he opened up his ankle a week or so ago,” said the coach.

“He played against Stratford and told us at the end but there’s no point risking him at this stage.”