KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' assistant manager Neil Howarth believes a trip to Blue Square Premier leaders Aldershot could be just what his team needs.

The Aggborough club's season has hit the buffers of late with their play-off hopes long gone and nothing of note left to play for between now and the end of April.

They have won just one of their last 10 matches and Tuesday's 3-1 home reverse against Rushden and Dia-monds in the Setanta Shield was their last chance at major silverware.

But Howarth thinks facing the Shots on their own turf might not be the daunting task it seems.

"There's no better place for us to be going, really," he said. "The pressure will be off and there won't be many expecting us to get a result.

"The lads might be able to relax a bit and express themselves and we can try and play some good football and maybe we can get something out of the game."

Manager Mark Yates kept his players locked in the dressing room for an hour following that defeat in order to hold clear the air talks. Yates and Howarth were dismayed at the way the players had lost faith in themselves both against Rushden and last Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Salisbury City.

The assistant boss said: "In the last two games we've started very well and the minute something has gone against us we've dropped our heads and not been able to come back when things are tough.

"We know there's talent in the squad but it's difficult when something goes wrong and you can't bounce back, especially when expectations are high, but we know we need to sort it out quickly."

Aldershot could be without 18-goal top-scorer John Grant after the striker was carried off in last Saturday's FA Trophy victory at Tamworth.

Gary Waddock's side are five points clear at the top and won 6-2 at Crawley in the Setanta Shield in mid-week.