MANAGER John Eustace believes Harriers will be rewarded for their patience when key men finally reach full fitness.

Elton Ngwatala, Dan Bradley and Joel Taylor all arrived at Aggborough late into pre-season and have been playing catch up with match sharpness ever since.

The Reds boss admits it's been a frustrating time but is adamant that improvement is just around the corner.

They sit in mid-table after a mixed start to the new campaign, including last Saturday's disappointing 3-0 loss at Salford City.

Eustace was unhappy with the nature of the Salford loss but believes improvement is on the way as soon as his players find both fitness and cohesion.

He said: "The defeat at Salford was very uncharacteristic of us. The first half was pleasing but then we faced a difficult 10 minute spell when we let in two sloppy goals from our point of view.

"The disappointing factor was the way our heads dropped. It's something that shouldn't happen and we're all working hard to put that right.

"But you have to remember that that was the third game in a week, which is a lot for the players that didn't have a proper pre-season.

"Dan Bradley, Elton and Joel Taylor are important players for us but aren't quite fully match fit.

"It has been a frustrating time for the everyone and especially the players. We didn't have the group together as long as we'd have wanted in pre-season so they have needed a few games to get that sharpness.

"We also have a new back five that is still getting used to playing together.

"Hopefully everything can gel sooner rather than later. Even if it takes a little longer, I'm confident it will happen eventually and we'll be much better for it. We can only improve from here."

Despite Harriers conceding three at Salford, Eustace was keen to praise the way young defender Kennedy Digie has slotted into the centre of Harriers' defence.

He added: "Kennedy Digie is another young player that has done really well so far this season. He's a 20-year-old lad that has come into a difficult position. We don't just ask our defenders to tackle everything and clear their lines, we also ask them to play out from the back. That brings added pressure but he's handled it all really well."

Harriers will look to get back to winning ways when they welcome Alfreton Town to Aggborough this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Town sit just one place behind Eustace's men after a similar start to the new season.