KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates has praised his players for turning the season around in the Blue Square Premier.

Two league wins in a row seem to have stopped the rot at Aggborough and given fans and the club alike a renewed sense of optimism that they can end the season strongly.

Only a fortnight ago Harriers looked destined to end a disappointing season poorly after crashing out of the Setanta Shield to Rushden and Diamonds but impressive performances against Grays Athletic (read Grays report) and Stafford Rangers have brought a smile to everyone involved with the club.

Yates pin-pointed the mental strength of his squad, who shook off the disappointments of crashing out of the FA Trophy and tumbling down the table to find some form.

"We are playing some really nice football at the moment and the players have to keep it going," said Yates.

"They are feeling more confident and that can be seen in our recent performances.

"When results weren't going our way it was easy for the players to hide but over the last week or so they have worked very hard and deserve some success."

The victories have also boosted hopes that Harriers can rise into the top half of the table and even get close to a play-off place.

Yates said: "We are playing with a lot more confidence and we must make sure we keep our good form up and build on the last two results, which have been very good.

"I haven't set ourselves a target because I want us to finish as high as we possibly can.

"At the moment the play-offs look far away but if we were to win five games in a row then I would have to re-assess my opinion on whether we can get into them."

Harriers will be trying to build on their recent good run of form when they take on promotion hopefuls Stevenage Borough away tonight in a televised Setanta match (7.45pm kick-off).

The manager will have to decide whether to stick with the same team that has played in the last two games at Aggborough or make a change from the successful 4-3-3 formation for the trip to Hertfordshire.

Utility man Gavin Hurren and Andy Ferrell are both expected to be available for tonight's testing clash after shaking off injuries.

"It's not an easy game because Stevenage are in the play-offs. They are a little inconsistent at the moment and hopefully we can get something from the game," added the manager.

With no game on Saturday, Harriers then go to local rivals Worcester City in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Senior Cup on Monday night (7.45pm kick-off).