AFTER watching his side dismantle highly-rated Mansfield at Aggborough, Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates believes that several members of his squad have realised what it takes to make their mark in the Blue Square Premier.

Yates was delighted with his team as they bounced back from defeats to Tamworth and Eastbourne by putting in-form Stags to the sword on Tuesday.

Victory ensured the Worcestershire side are part of a group keeping the pressure on the top sides, with Harriers only three points behind fifth-placed Tamworth.

Even more heartening for Yates was the performances of fringe players David McDermott and Darryl Knights, who showed they have what it takes at the top level of non-league football.

Now Yates wants the duo and the rest of the squad to banish Harriers’ inconsistency and build on their impressive win when they go to Histon on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

“I thought that several of the players finally got what this league is all about,”commented Yates.

“I spoke to David [McDermott] and Darryl [Knights] and told them they were playing and they responded well.


“I don’t want to single out anybody because the whole team played very well. As great a performance as it was, I don’t want this to be a one-off, we’ve got to use the momentum from this game and really push on from there.

“We’ve beaten a team that had a great start to the season and we’re only four points behind them now.

“Now we have to keep the same standards and continue to get results.”

Tuesday night’s victory would have also won over fans who have been disgruntled by recent defeats.

Yates believes that only together will the club be able to make a sustained bid for the play-offs.

He said: “I understand that the fans want to be inspired by the team but their support on Tuesday was a big lift.

“They watched Matthew Barnes-Homer chase down Mansfield’s full-back and sensed we were up for it and got behind us.

“I genuinely believe that we’re all in this together. We all want what’s best for the club so let’s do it as a group.”

Striker Robbie Matthews is set to be out for the next two weeks after aggravating his groin injury against Eastbourne on Saturday. However, midfielder John Finnigan could be fit for Saturday’s trip to Cambridgeshire after hurting his ankle at the weekend.

n Harriers’ youth team start the FA Youth Cup tonight (7.30pm kick-off) with a home clash against Coventry Sphinx in the preliminary round.