Harriers preparing well in Devon

Kidderminster manager Mark Yates takes his troops to Barnstaple tonight for the second game of their run in the Errea South West Challenge Cup.

The Harriers lost 2-0 to Yeovil in their first game of the competition this week, making a win at Barnstaple a must if they want to progress, which should not be a problem against a team some way below them in the non-league pyramid.

The manager has been keen to stress that they will approach the game and prepare like any other, although he admits he does not care whether his team lift the cup or not.

He said: "We will afford Barnstaple proper respect, I can assure you of that. But this is a pre-season exercise and not about the tournament really. It would be nice to win it but I care more about the work we have put in.

"It has just been great to get the players away to a lovely part of the country. We have trained hard and they have got to know each other as people as well as players.

"When you have a new look squad like we have, you need that sort of bonding exercise. There has been a method to everything we have done in pre-season."

The Harriers will have to return to Worcestershire at the end of the weekend anyway, as they are due to play Stafford Rangers at Marston Road in their next pre-season friendly on Tuesday night.

For the some of the trial players at Aggborough, their futures could be decided by then.

Yates added: "Yes, I have some decisions to make in that respect. I need to get some contracts sorted back at base."

The Harriers face a slight doubt for the game over goalkeeper Adam Bartlett, who has picked up a knock, although defender Mark Creighton should be fit to return.