Yates keen to avoid Trophy shock

Harriers boss Mark Yates insists there will be no complacency at Ilkeston

Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates is taking nothing for granted as he prepares his team for their FA Trophy second round tie at Ilkeston.

Yates said that the Unibond side's recent run means they have to be taken very seriously.

"I have had them watched," Yates told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "And I've spoken to one or two people about them.

"They're big, strong, organised and have got some good players so it should be a good game."

While Harriers were very much the underdogs for last Saturday's FA Cup third round trip to Coventry City the boot will be on the other foot at the New Manor Ground.

We've got to go there and put in a good, professional performance.

Harriers boss Mark Yates

Yates accepts that Ilkeston, who lost their manager David Holdsworth to Mansfield Town last week, will fancy their chances of causing an upset.

Harriers reached the FA Trophy final in 2007 when they lost 3-2 to Stevenage Borough, Yates would like another run to Wembley. But he insists the only focus is on Saturday's trip to Derbyshire. And he insists that his players must be fully aware of the potential pitfalls.

"Even though we are away from home, we are the bigger club and we will be expected to get through," said Yates.

"We've got to make sure we don't slip up. We've got to go there and put in a good, professional performance.

"We've got to get back to doing what we're good at - pressing teams, playing at a decent tempo and working really hard.

"If we do that, then we'll give ourselves a great chance.

"I gave the boys a couple of days off earlier in the week to balance up the amount of time they have been in over the Christmas period.

"They've been in the last couple of days and have looked nice and refreshed."

Martin Riley remains the one injury concern, the young centre-half having missed training this week due to an ongoing hip and groin problem. But Harriers physiotherapist Pete Dugdale has not ruled Riley out of playing some part on Saturday.

BBC Hereford and Worcester will carry full commentary on the Ilkeston Town v Kidderminster Harriers game online.