Harriers warned by boss

Kidderminster manager Mark Yates today demanded a massive improvement from his side in tonight's FA Trophy final re-match against Stevenage at Aggborough tonight at 7.45pm.

Harriers take their Wembley conquerors in the third match of the Blue Square Premier season on the back of a 5-1 mauling at Grays last week.

And Yates is expecting a big reaction from his players as they seek revenge against the side who beat them 3-2 in the final at Wembley in May.

"We couldn't have a better game than Stevenage to bounce back from what happened last Saturday," said Yates.

"There is a lot of history between the teams and a lot of recent history.

"We have got a point to prove and that's what we will be looking to do tonight.

"We are confident that if we can perform we can prove that point, we're sick of talking about it now.

"At the moment it's a case of actions speaking louder than words and we have to go out and do our talking on the pitch."

Yates has all of his players fit for tonight's match with the exception of midfielder Simon Russell, who is still struggling with knee pain.

He had a cyst removed on Tuesday and it is hoped he will be able to resume full training soon.

Captain Stuart Whitehead could make his first start of the season after a summer ankle operation meant he missed the start of the campaign.

And, after the disappointment of last week's result, Yates is demanding a positive backlash.

He said: "I am looking for a reaction, there is no doubt about that.

"Everybody loses football matches at times but we weren't happy with the manner of our loss last week.

"We've talked about it this week and the players all know that it wasn't good enough.

"Now I am looking for a reaction.I have seen a reaction from the players this week but it's not really about training, it's about what they do when they get out on the field in a game.

"Last week, uncharacteristically for us, we didn't defend well enough.

"Im not just talking about the back four and the goalkeeper. We didn't defend well enough as a team.

"Our game is all about playing at a high tempo and closing people down quickly and last week we just didn't do that.

"I expect a big reaction and I can't wait for 7.45 to come around."