Mark Yates is looking to his team to bounce straight back on Tuesday night

Kidderminster Harriers boss Mark Yates has called on his players to silence the 'doubters' after Sunday's 2-1 home defeat by bottom side Northwich.

The surprise setback leaves Harriers three points out of the play-off pack.

"We're massively disappointed," said Yates. "Doubters are starting to surface and it would be a lot better if everyone stuck together.

"We are in a damn sight better position than we were this time last year," Yates told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"I am not knocking them. I am not having a go at anyone.

"When the plaudits are coming the players way, that's when things can go against them. They have to be men and get on with it and prove a few doubters wrong.

"Credit to Northwich. They had nothing to lose and came and gave it a right go.

"There were a few things that we did that were quite decent, but not enough.

"Second half we were a lot better. We didn't take our chances when we had them. We lacked a bit of urgency and tempo. But we got caught by the sucker punch and we were punished."

Harriers at least have an quick opportunity to get back on the rails with Tuesday night's rearranged home league clash against Cambridge United.

The U's are a place above Yates' men in the table in sixth. But Harriers hold an undoubted psychological advantage based on the fact that they have only lost once in 14 previous meetings between the two sides.

You have to prove people wrong. That's what the plan is Harriers manager Mark Yates

"We lost the game and we have to pick ourselves up for Tuesday night. We have got to move on.

"You have to prove people wrong. That's what the plan is."

Commentary on Harriers v Cambridge United in the Blue Square on Tuesday night (17 February, 1945 GMT) on bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester.

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