A FIRST defeat in 10 Division Three games has prompted Kidderminster Harriers boss Ian Britton to give his players a stark reminder.
Britton admitted the performances of their unbeaten run were thrown out of the window in Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Macclesfield Town.
He criticised a lack of work-rate, commitment and desire before quickly arranging a training ground friendly with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
And after an improved performance earned a 1-1 draw, Britton declared: "We returned to how we were playing in the league before Saturday's game.
"The players know they have let people down and even more so let themselves down.
"The disappointing thing was I had a funny feeling in the dressing room that all was not right on Saturday and that's what we talked about on Monday.
"I reminded all the players the reasons why we have done well in the league so far and that we have got to keep that ethic.
"We have to get back to winning ways and it just happens to be a short trip to Shrewsbury."
Forward Drewe Broughton returns from suspension to add aerial power for Saturday's derby at surprise strugglers Shrewsbury Town.
They won 2-1 at Carlisle at the weekend but have lost their last two games at Gay Meadow and top scorer Luke Rodgers is struggling with a groin injury.
For Harriers, midfielder Sean Parrish is fit after more than a month out with a hamstring strain.
Britton admitted: "We haven't seen the best of Sean yet but he's got a fight now because of how Sam Shilton has been doing. It's good to have healthy competition."
But Harriers must check on the fitness of defenders Lee Ayres and Craig Hinton (both hamstring), while Dean Bennett was still off sick yesterday.
Matt Lewis scored in Tuesday's friendly though Britton feels the teenager is still not physically and mentally ready for regular Division Three football.
Most of the Harriers squad was given a run-out against strong opposition.
And Britton backed on-loan Wolves defender Kenny Coleman to impress after a tough Football League debut on Saturday.
He added: "We have to give the kid a chance. It's tough to come from reserve-team football to making your debut in Division Three.
"With hindsight, I would not have played him in the wide-right position but I've seen him a few times and know he's a good, strong player.
"He's more of a centre-half or right-back but it was unfortunate for him to come into a game where too many players had off days."
Harriers visit Conference club Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday in the LDV Trophy (7.45pm).
Meanwhile, last Thursday's England U-19s match at Aggborough proved a success with a bumper crowd of 5,487 watching a 2-2 draw with Yugoslavia.
And Jan Molby, sacked by Hull City last week after their 1-0 defeat in Kidderminster and replaced by Peter Taylor, is already being linked with jobs.
Newspaper reports made the ex-Harriers boss favourite for the Exeter City post but their owners yesterday announced he was no longer in the frame.
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