HARRIERS are set to be boosted by the return of key midfield reinforcements for the trip to play-off rivals Altrincham.

Reds head to National League North's sixth-placed side this Saturday looking to bounce back from last weekend's disappointing beating at Brackley.

Kidderminster lost 3-1 despite Joe Ironside's first half penalty as their hopes of gatecrashing the end of season shake-up suffered a serious set-back.

Their task at Brackley was made harder due to the absence of midfielders Billy Daniels, Ed Williams and Milan Butterfield.

They then lost stand-in man Sam Austin before the hour mark as manager Mark Yates' option were reduced further.

However, the boss is hopeful of having at least two available in time for the weekend.

Star man Williams is winning his race to recover from an ankle injury he picked up when away on England C duty and Butterfield is back available after helping Bermuda qualify for their first ever CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Austin and Daniels will be assessed later this week.

Yates is keen to move on from the Brackley defeat as his side head into the final six games of the campaign.

He said: "We knew they were a good side but we were struggled in the first 20 minutes.

"Only having Russ Penn available of our midfield options really hurt us.

"But we did find our feet after that and got to grips with the game and there really was nothing between the two sides in the middle part of the match. It was just two sides cancelling each other out.

"Sammy Austin and Liam McAlinden were stopping their supply line before we lost Sammy to injury and that again set us back.

"We've then got done by a set-piece, which we still believe is offside when their attacker challenged the keeper, and then conceded a third from a silly penalty.

"Overall, it was a bad day at the office and we ran out of bodies in midfield.

"We're now back to just worrying about ourselves again and our own performances. We know it's not in our hands so we'll just focus on getting as many points on the board as we can.

"I want us to make sure we play with the freedom that brings and see where it takes us."