MANAGER Mark Yates is calling for his Kidderminster Harriers players to pick up at Kettering where they left off against Oxford United.

Harriers stunned the Blue Square Premier leaders at Aggborough last Saturday with a 3-1 victory in which Robbie Matthews scored twice and England ‘C’ star Matthew Barnes-Homer once.

It was a result that edged them closer to the play-off positions and saw them firmly put defeats to Cambridge United and Fleetwood Town behind them.

But Harriers’ task does not get any easier as they face a tough trip to third-placed Kettering Town tomorrow.

Yates, though, believes his team is more than capable of producing a repeat performance at Rockingham Road.

He said: “We knew we had the Oxford result in us and we played well.

“We started really brightly, worked our socks off and got our rewards.

“We have been preaching all week for more of the same and to keep our focus.”

The Poppies parted company with Mark Cooper last week and have appointed goalkeeper Lee Harper as player-manager until the end of the season.

But the Kidderminster boss said: “I don’t think it will have a great bearing on it.

“Mark Cooper has gone but his squad know what they about and they are good at what they do. They have got some good players and don’t concede many goals, it’s a difficult place to go.”

Midfielder John Finnigan is still struggling with a groin problem but skipper Chris McPhee is available again after a three-match ban.

Several players were also struck down by a virus this week but have all recovered.

Yates said: “I have got a tough decision with what to do because the team were excellent on Saturday.

“Chris is my captain and has probably been our best player this season, wherever I have played him.”