Harriers boss pleased despite loss

Kidderminster manager Mark Yates is pleased with his side's pre-season tour of Devon thus far despite getting off to a losing start to Yeovil in the Errea South West Challenge Cup.

The Harriers went down 2-0 to a fairly strong Glovers side at Bideford. A side some two leagues above them in the football pyramid, it was their first defeat and again a competitive performance against what has been strong opposition all the way in pre-season.

The squad will wind down with a game of cricket on a nearby beach in Devon, before training tommorow and then a trip to Barnstaple for the second game of the tournament tommorow night (8pm).

Yates said: "It was a good performance in some difficult conditions, a dry pitch with long grass which made it difficult to get the ball down and spray it about.

"If we had took the chances that we had we would not have lost. The fitness of the lads was clear to see and I think we are looking good for the new campaign."

The boss was pleased with all the players but one man stood out in particular - revitalised striker Justin Richards.

He said: "Justin had a good game in attack again and is looking good. Midfielder Dean Bennett also did well."

Now Yates takes to the beach with bat and ball to enjoy a light-hearted game with the players - another sort of exercise he feels will be of benefit to the squad.

He said: "The weather has been great down here as well so it should be another good bonding exercise. We have a fairly new-look squad so it is important they know each other as people as well as players."

The Harriers manager also refuted suggestions that his side would simply have to turn up tommorow to give Western League outfit Barnstaple a good hiding.

He added: "We will prepare for the game like any other. We will take them seriously and it will be competitive."