Burton 0 Kidderminster 2

The Harriers boss, with a side ravaged by injuries, witnessed a top class performance from a team that denied Burton any time on the ball.

"We came with a game plan and decided to stifle Burton, Nigel Clough has built a very good side here," said Yates.

"The pleasing thing is that we not only stifled Burton but we did it without hoofing the ball forward, we played with a passion and produced some really good football", added the boss after Russell Penn and Paul Bignot had netted a goal in each half.

The change to a different formation was decided during the previous week's training, with Justin Richards playing as a lone front man but the striker was playing with a heavy cold, drawing praise from his manager.

Yates said: "I asked Justin to give me as much as he could for as long as he could, his presence in the lead up to both goals showed just how much of a threat he can be. I don't think he lost an aerial battle all afternoon".

Yates also drew attention to his side's lack of consistency. " If we can produce performances like this on a regular basis then we have a realistic chance of success this season," he said. "I keep telling the players to believe in themselves and today's result proves what we can do".

Brian Smikle, celebrating his 22nd birthday, wasted a golden chance with just two minutes on the clock when he mishit his effort at Kevin Poole, but Harriers were dictating play with a solid midfield, allowing Blackwood and Smikle to attack down the flanks.

On 19 minutes, MacKenzie's long clearance was flicked on by Richards where Smikle delivered a weighted pass for Penn. The Harriers midfield man raced into the area, shrugged off the challenge of Tony James and slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give the visitors the lead.

The home side threatened briefly but only Jake Edwards was able to muster a first half effort on target, held comfortably by MacKenzie.

Harriers held the upper hand in every department and it came as no surprise when Bignot extended the visitors' lead on the hour, collecting Richards pass to fire home from close range.

Harriers were forced to play the final 20 minutes with ten men, Dean Bennett collecting a straight red card for a late challenge on John Brayford.

"From where I was standing, I did not have the best view but some of the lads felt the decision was right," said the Harriers manager. It's likely Dean will have a three game ban, so it might have been the last time we will see him play before he returns to Chester at the end of this loan spell".

Harriers: MacKenzie, Bignot, Blackwood, Whitehead, Creighton, McGrath (Barnes-Homer 80), Ferrell, Bennett, Penn, Smikle, Richards (Christie 75). Subs Harkness, Hurren, Coleman.