KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Mark Yates is urging his players to sharpen up their game as they head to Droylsden tomorrow.
The Aggborough chief has been disappointed with the goals his side have conceded in recent games and he has not been impressed with Harriers in front of goal.
They were dumped out of the FA Trophy on Tuesday following a penalty shoot-out with Weymouth when James Constable, Iyseden Christie and Justin Richards spurned spot-kicks as the Terras won 3-0.
"We have to be more ruthless at both ends of the pitch," Yates said. "In our last couple of games, the other teams have had four or five shots between them and we have conceded three very bad goals.
"On Tuesday night, we had five or six chances and their keeper pulled of some very good saves."
The Blue Square Premier clash with the Bloods should give Constable and Co good target practice with them losing 5-0 in their last two games.
But Yates is warning his players to take Droylsden's last two results with a pinch of salt, especially with the way he feels his Harriers side have been playing of late.
"We tend to make things as difficult as possible for ourselves," he said.
"The one thing about Droylsden is they know where the goal is and they score some very good goals.
"I'm hoping my players are hurting from the Trophy exit and they give me a positive reaction."
Harriers are still targeting a place in the play-off places in the Blue Square Premier and, with 19 games left until the end of the season, Yates needs an extremely good run.
"We have some massive games left," said Yates, whose only fitness worry is Russ Penn with a knee problem.
"We can't think about the play-offs. What we have to do is our best and see where that leaves us in April."
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