KIDDERMINSTER Harriers must put their FA Cup success to one side and concentrate on the bread and butter of the Blue Square Premier, according to manager Mark Yates.
The Aggborough club are riding the crest of a wave after defeating Curzon Ashton last Saturday to set up a third-round clash against Coventry City on January 3.
However, they have two crucial home league matches coming up in the next four days that could cement their place in the play-offs going into the Christmas schedule.
Tomorrow (3pm), Harriers host struggling Salisbury City, a side who have seen a flood of first-teamers leave because of financial problems, and welcome Mansfield Town to Aggborough on Tuesday night.
The fixtures are also a chance for Harriers to continue a run of form at Aggborough that has seen them lose just once this season.
“The players have to focus on the games ahead of us,” boss Yates said. “We’ve got two home matches, so we can’t afford to let our performances drop. Our home form is good and I want the team to continue to keep the good work up.
“It wasn’t an easy game on Saturday and Curzon made it hard but I thought we played well and deserved to win.
“The players’ efforts have been rewarded by a really big game at Coventry.”
Harriers have been boosted after striker Justin Richards was given the all-clear by an eye specialist.
The club’s top-scorer will battle it out for a starting berth with Stefan Moore, Darryl Knights, Matthew Barnes-Homer and on-loan Kettering marksman Chris Beardsley.
Midfielder Andy Ferrell is suspended for the Salisbury clash match after picking up five yellow cards.
Defender Paul Bignot’s loan at Newport County has been extended for another month.
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