Farrell could make first Harriers start

Matthews broke down just 17 minutes into his return against Eastbourne on Saturday after aggravating a recent groin injury, and is now looking at another fortnight out.

Farrell played the final 40 minutes of the match and could now be thrust into the team from the off against the Stags at Aggborough tonight (7.45pm), as the only other out-and-out striker fit.

But Yates has also not ruled out reverting to a 4-5-1 formation for the Blue Square Premier clash.

He said: "I have got a number of options and we will see where we go with Aaron but, of course, he has a chance. But Robbie is looking at another two weeks out."

Harriers will be bidding to bounce back from Saturday's disappointing 2-0 defeat and end a two-game losing streak tonight, with the manager urging his side to believe in themselves.

Yates said: "We have got to learn quickly. Maybe it's a little bit down to confidence, being patient when the team goes a goal down and not panicking.

"The lads just need to keep doing what they are doing, keep believing in themselves and they will be fine. It's not like we are not creating chances, we had lots on Saturday without really doing anything with it.

"So that's not the worry, we just need to be a little more clinical in front of goal. We believe in the players, maybe they just need to start believing in themselves a little more."

Mansfield have former Harriers' Luke Jones and Craig Armstrong among their numbers, and come to town unbeaten in their last six games.

Yates added: "Mansfield are a good side, big and strong, experienced so this is going to be a tough game. They have got a couple of our old players in Luke and Craig, who it will be nice to see again, and they are a real threat from set-pieces.

"They are a team where, if we don't keep our concentration, we will lose. So the boys have got to be focused for 90-odd minutes, which we maybe haven't been in the last two games."

"It's all to play for."