HARRIERS boss John Eustace hailed the character of his side after their 3-0 FA Trophy victory over Ebbsfleet United.

Goals from debutant Josh Ezewele, Tyrone Williams and Andre Brown handed Kidderminster a place in the third round last Saturday.

However, the boss was most pleased with the reaction of his young side following the previous week's defeat at promotion rivals Salford City.

"I was really pleased with the performance against a very good team in Ebbsfleet. I couldn't have been happier," he said.

"The young boys are doing great but you have to earn the right to win games and we did that very well. You have to win your duels and keep believing in the way you want to play. We had to be patient but eventually got our rewards.

"Regardless of the result, the main thing I needed to see from them was a positive reaction after losing at Salford.

"I got that because the character of this group is fantastic."

On the goalscoring debut of full back Ezewele, who has linked up on loan from Yeovil, the boss added: "It was a great debut from him and he did really well.

"He was maybe feeling it a bit in the second half because we do ask a lot of our full-backs and he hasn't had much game time, but he did terrific.

"It was also great to see Tyrone on the scoresheet as well because he works so hard for us and puts in work that sometimes goes unnoticed."

Eustace has now called on Harriers fans to turn out in force for this Saturday's derby clash with Telford United (3pm kick-off).

The Reds return to league action looking to consolidate a top five finish.

He said: "It is going to be a really tough game for us. They have an experienced management team and they beat us at their place. But this is a different game now and hopefully the fans can get behind us.

"Their support makes a real difference. The have been great and the players really appreciate it."

The Aggborough boss also said he hasn't been made aware of any approaches for his young stars since the new year.

The squad has been boosted this week by the return to training of versatile defender Jared Hodgkiss following a long-term groin injury.

He is still a few weeks away from being ready for action though, which is also the case for goalkeeper Sam Hornby.

Zaine Francis-Angol's hamstring injury will also keep him out of the Telford clash.

Meanwhile, Harriers have been handed an away draw to National League opponents Barrow in the last 16 of the FA Trophy.

Having beaten Ebbsfleet, they must now make the long trip north to Holker Street to meet the Bluebirds on Saturday, February 4 at 3pm.