KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates has demanded a response from his players when they host Tamworth at Aggborough tonight (7.45).

Harriers incurred the wrath of the boss after slumping to a 1-0 defeat against AFC Wimbledon at headquarters on Saturday.

Yates was angry with his side’s display and wants them to set the record straight against the 12th-placed Lambs in the Blue Square Premier.

He said: “We were beaten by a better team on Saturday and that happens.

“Fortunately, we have got a chance to put it right straight away which is a good thing.

“Lots of things didn’t go to plan against Wimbledon. We didn’t pass the ball well and sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say we were beaten by a better side.

“I am expecting a response and I am sure we will get one. We have got to get back to playing our normal game.

“Eight or nine players were under-par on Saturday and we didn’t perform to our usual standard, which is why we got beaten.”

Tamworth, who have a string of former Harriers including Iyseden Christie and Simon Russell, won the reverse fixture 2-1 back in August but have lost their last two league matches.

Harriers also go into their second home match in 72 hours knowing a win could edge them closer to the play-offs.

Yates added: “They beat us earlier in the season at their place so it’s going to be a tough one and they have got a lot of former Kidderminster players.

“We have to be ready for it and put in a good performance.”

Striker Robbie Matthews serves a one-match suspension after picking up five bookings this season and could be replaced by Luton Town loanee Ryan Charles.

Fellow forward Damian Spencer, on loan from Kettering Town, is also expected to keep his place as Harriers continue to adapt to life without Matthew Barnes-Homer.

The Harriers top-scorer has joined Luton Town on loan initially before a permanent five-figure move in January.