MANAGER Mark Yates believes that his Kidderminster Harriers team need to build on the feel good factor around Aggborough to cement their place in the Blue Square Premier’s top five.

Harriers boosted their promotion hopes after victories over Weymouth and York City this week thrust them into third place, their highest position since relegation from the football league three years ago (read reports) .

Their excellent run means that spirits are high around the club, but the manager insists that breaking into the play-off places is only half the job.

“We’ve got where want to be in the league but we must make sure we stay up there,” said Yates.

“There’s only a quarter of the season gone and a couple of defeats could see us drop out, so we need to stay consistent and get results.”

The confidence at Aggborough is sky high after Harriers extended their unbeaten run at home to 13 league games by seeing off York 2-0 on Tuesday night.

The fans were in buoyant mood after strikes by Brian Smikle and Justin Richards and Yates believes his players deserved the plaudits.

“The players deserve all the credit for this run because they have shown a lot of ability and mental strength,” commented Yates.

“We didn’t have the best start to the season but they have picked themselves up and played some lovely football.

“Even when they haven’t played very well they’ve worked hard, stayed together and got results.

“The fans now have a team they can believe in and it’s great they are getting behind them.

“We want success for the club, the fans and ourselves and we’re doing all that we can to achieve that.”

Harriers’ new determination has been epitomised by winger Smikle, who opened the scoring against York to get the party at Aggborough started.

The 22-year-old has cemented his place on the left wing in recent weeks with a series of fine displays.

Yates said: “I’m pleased to see Brian [Smikle] do so well.

“He’s one of the best lads in a really great squad of guys. He’s always got a big smile on his face and we know he will always give 100 per cent.”

Yates is expecting a fully-fit squad for Saturday’s league clash away at Eastbourne Borough.

n Michael McGrath joined Harriers’ county rivals Worcester City on a month’s loan at the end of last week.

n Match reports — Page 90 "The squad has a great spirit about it now. They all get on and as a group of players they are desperate to succeed."

Yates is expecting a fully-fit squad for Saturday's league clash away at Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.

Midfielder Michael McGrath joined Harriers' county rivals Worcester City on a month's loan at the end of last week.

Match report - Page 90