EXPERIENCED Kidderminster Harriers defender Jimmy O'Connor is set for a long-term absence with an Achilles problem.

The ex-Walsall centre-half will have a scan on the injury and misses tomorrow's National League North test at fifth-from-bottom Darlington (3pm) along with Brandon Hall.

The Harriers keeper misses a second game due to a thigh problem with Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Jonathan Flatt set to continue in goal.

Kidderminster manager John Eustace says his players are determined to hit back after seeing their long unbeaten league run halted by title-chasing Harrogate Town last weekend.

The 17-game sequence ended with a 2-0 loss for their first defeat at Aggborough since the opening day of the season.

Eustace said: “The players were disappointed after the defeat but very determined to respond in the right way.

“We’re all determined to start a new run again now.

"We’ve done really well at home this season but you can’t dwell on losing games.

"That’s what happens in football and it’s all about how you respond to that.

“Saturday’s game is going to be just as tough, if not tougher, than against Harrogate.

"Darlington have a good team, are working hard to stay away from the relegation places and we have to treat them no differently to anyone else.”

Fifth-placed Harriers will hope left-back Joel Taylor is fit to return at Blackwell Meadows.

Eustace added: “It was a blow to lose him (O'Connor) on the day of the game and it’s unfortunate for Jim that he’ll be missing for a while but it’s a situation that presents opportunities to other players.

“Brandon will hopefully be back in with the group shortly but Jonathan is with us for a month and he has a chance to make an impression and to get that extended.

“The two goalkeepers will put pressure on each other now and that’s a good thing for both of them.”

Despite a 3-0 defeat at Brackley Town last weekend, three wins prior to that have given Darlington hope.

Former Harriers forward Reece Styche returns after a bout of flu.