FRESH from playing down a link with a return to his former club Cheltenham Town, Kidderminster Harriers boss Mark Yates is looking for his players to close out games better when they entertain Crawley Town on Saturday.

The Blue Square Premier side were forced to settle for a point from their trip to struggling Northwich Victoria on Tuesday.

Yates felt Justin Richards' first-half opener was wasted and they cannot afford to make the same mistake when they face the Sussex outfit.

"Tuesday night was two points dropped and we must learn to close out games better than we did at Northwich," the Aggborough chief said.

"Crawley are a good side who have made a decent start, but we have picked up a lot recently."

Only goal difference separates Harriers and the Reds but former Boston United boss Steve Evans, who was sent to the stands last weekend in the 1-0 home defeat to struggling Altrincham, will be keen for his side to bounce back.

After scoring eight goals in two matches, Crawley have not netted in 180 minutes of football so on-loan goalkeeper Chris MacKenzie will have to be on his guard once again.

With first-choice Scott Bevan still a fortnight away from full fitness, the 35-year-old Shrewsbury Town keeper is set to keep his place ahead of Dean Coleman.

Yates may be tempted to keep the former Telford United custodian past his original one-month deal.

"It all depends on how Scottie is," he said.

"Chris was excellent at Northwich and pulled off another couple of fantastic saves."

Yates has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's clash, which could see Harriers move into the top six, and Gavin Hurren returns from a three-match ban.

"There were a couple of knocks from Tuesday night, but nothing that will keep the players out of the Crawley match," Yates added.

"We have taken four points out of the last two games and, even though one of them was against one of the bottom teams, it has been a reasonable time for us."

Crawley did not play a league game during the midweek round of fixtures as they were involved in the Sussex Senior Cup. The Reds won 2-0 against East Preston.