Harriers boss hails striker Richards

Kidderminster manager Mark Yates has told striker Justin Richards he has a "fresh slate" at the club after an impressive showing against Plymouth at Aggborough.

The 27-year-old endured a tough first season with the Harriers in 2007/08, ending the season out of favour and on loan at Blue Square Premier rivals Oxford.

It was suspected that the striker would be on his way out of Aggborough at the end of the campagn but instead he has battled his way back into contention.

He was on the scoresheet in Friday's 2-2 draw against Plymouth and was generally a threat all eIvening - an all action performance that did not go unnoticed by the boss.

He said: "I am delighted for Justin because he needed that goal. He has a fresh slate at the club and hopefully the goal will be the first of many more."

"It was the perfect game. It was a chance for a lot of the boys to impress. There were some good individual performances but they worked together very well as a team."

The Harriers now head off to compete in the the Errea South West Challenge Cup, meeting Yeovil Town on Wednesday and Barnstaple on Friday.

All in all preparations are going well, with the club unbeaten in pre-season preparation and looking at a number of trialists that look to be promising additions to a threadbare first-team squad.

A pre-season tour is another chance to impress and Yates believes that the experience will be good for his men.

He said: "We're looking forward to being in each other's company and being able to work with each other for the week.

"It's something I've been desperate to do with the squad, to get them away, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."