Mark Yates has stated he believes that today's entertaining draw at Forest Green Rovers shows that much like the hosts, his outfit are a good side.

Harriers raced into an early lead in the first-half before being pegged back, with an identical turn of events in the second period resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Performing well under the tutelage of Jim Harvey, Forest Green give away very little to the opposition, and fully deserving to come away with at least a draw should represent a fine day's work for Harriers.

But it's not necessarily that simple for Yates and his troops, with the boss admitting after the game: "We've got a disappointed dressing room, which is good.

"The attitude and performance was superb, we can take a lot of positives out of the game but the bottom line is that we're disappointed that, after taking the lead twice, we didn't take three points.

"They're a very good side but I think today we've proved that so are we."

The game threatened to boil over in the worst way for the visiting side after they'd conceded what was a sloppy second goal in the second half.

A bust-up between Michael Blackwood and Gavin Hurren could well have seen both players in hot water with both the referee and the club, but Yates admitted that to a certain extent, he's pleased to see such passion.

He commented: "They've apologised to each other in the dressing room.

"I've said to them that I don't mind them showing their passion, commitment and willingness to win but it can't overstep the mark.

"They've shaken hands - I don't mind seeing that desire to succeed and that disappointment but they know there is a line."

As is always the way with the festive period, the next game comes fast this Saturday when Harriers travel to Oxford United looking to gain a measure of revenge for a rather controversial 2-0 defeat back at Aggborough at the end of November.

"We owe them from a month ago," added Yates.

"There were a few things that went on that we weren't happy about but more than anything else they took three points off us.

"We've got to make sure we go down there and come away with a victory."