MANAGER Mark Yates was pleased with the hard-working performance shown by his 21 man squad as Harriers overcame Hereford United 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at Aggborough.

Graham Turner's League One side were in town as Harriers got their pre-season fixture campaign underway at the second attempt - and the hosts ran out deserved winners.

Contracted players the likes of Darryl Knights, Russell Penn and Brian Smikle along with trialists Martin Brittan, Michael Bowler and David McDermott were all among those to impress in what was an entertaining fixture.

Knights netted in the opening few minutes to seal the win, leaving boss Yates happy with the evening's work.

"It was a great work-out and a really good exercise," he said following the game.

"There is still plenty to work on but there were a number of aspects we were really pleased with.

"Everyone acquitted themselves really well.

"The boys have worked hard in training and they've carried that into the game tonight - I wanted plenty of effort and for the boys to pass the ball and I got that."

There is more action to come at Aggborough this coming Friday night and it will be another tough challenge in the form of Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle.

Yates looks likely to trim one or two from his current crop before the visit of Paul Sturrock's side to Worcestershire, but admitted he will be speaking to all the players in turn over the next few days.

"It's a massive test for us and we're looking forward to it," said Yates of the Plymouth tie.

"I'll have a good think about things over the next couple of days and speak to everybody.

"Everyone can be pleased with their performance tonight; they got their rewards for some hard work.

"We've got a lot of players on trial at the moment and obviously we can't sign them all.

"We'll speak to them and some may decide its best they look elsewhere and one or two might want to stay and try and work something out - the door certainly isn't closed on anyone yet."

Admission for Friday's friendly against Plymouth is pay on the gate at £10 adults, £5 concessions and £2 U16s. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.