MARK Yates believes his Kidderminster Harriers side will be fully focused for the visit of Aldershot Town on the opening day of the season.

The Shots, among those tipped to do well in the Blue Square Premier, are in town on Saturday, August 11, before Harriers take to the road for matches against Stafford Rangers and Grays Athletic.

Stevenage Borough, victors in the FA Trophy final, visit Aggborough on Saturday, August 25.

Harriers came unstuck 3-1 against then newcomers St Albans at Aggborough last year and Yates is keen to avoid a repeat.

He said: "It's a very tough start but then again it's a very tough league and we have to play everybody at some point.

"This year we're going straight into it with one of the teams that's going to be up there.

"But a lot has changed since then. The squad has matured and realised what it's all about and we'll be hoping they can keep learning and focus quickly."

Elsewhere, Harriers make the short journey to Forest Green Rovers on Boxing Day and host them on New Year's Day with a trip to Oxford United in between.

The season ends at Woking, where Kidderminster won the Conference in 2000, on May 3.