MarkYates was baffled that his side managed to score four goals away at Ebbsfleet this afternoon and yet still found themselves empty-handed at full-time.

James Constable's second hat-trick of the season wasn't enough to help Harriers on their way to victory as United stuck five passed the visiting defence.

After such a strong defensive platform had been the spring-board for previous goal-hauls in recent wins against Exeter and York, it's no doubt disappointing that the back-line effectively failed to deliver their end of the bargain with the strikers still in good form.

"Defensively we got what we deserved and on that front we've got a lot to do based on this performance," Yates warned following the 5-4 defeat.

"James has got a hat-trick, we've got four goals away from home and we've lost the game, it's baffling really.

"We've kept three clean sheets in the last four games and we've come and put in a performance like that.

"I thought were we appalling without the ball today and defensively we were shocking."

Harriers now face a physical battle in midweek as newly-promoted Droylsden travel to Worcestershire looking to avenge their exit from last season's FA Cup, at the hands of Yates' side.

He added: "I've got a few decisions to make now because I won't tolerate defending like that.

"We'll make sure we're better on Tuesday. That game is vital now, we have to get straight into Droylsden and show them no fear and put in a performance that's more of what we're about.

"We have to make sure we win on Tuesday."