Neil Howarth spoke of the strength of Harriers' squad this season following a first win of the season over Altrincham today.

Howarth and boss Mark Yates made five changes to the starting XI that fell to defeat at Mansfield Town last weekend, with Matthew Barnes-Homer, David McDermott, debutant Keith Lowe and Martin Brittain all among those beginning this afternoon's game.

The side brushed aside the challenge of Altrincham with a 4-0 success, and for Howarth the difference has been clear.

Speaking after today's game, he pinpointed that vital half-time at Field Mill as the catalyst for what Harriers did well against the Robins at Aggborough.

"There's been something about the lads this week," he said.

"Ever since the half-time team-talk at Mansfield they've changed as a group of players - they've changed from being in pre-season friendly mode to realising what it takes to win matches.

"There was something about the way they'd trained and their attitude that made me think we might get a win... I didn't necessarily think we'd win 4-0 but it was nice to get that score line.

"We've got a strong squad of players.

"I think maybe at times last season there were 11 or 12 players we'd hang our hat on, and we'd look at the bench and sometimes wonder whether making a change would be strengthening the team.

"At the moment there are 11 starting players and four or five others where we really don't mind who plays, it's now up to the players to prove to us that they want to play."

Altrincham remained furious after the game over the referee's decision to send of Chris Lane for deliberate handball - Justin Richard's resulting penalty kick went on to put the hosts 2-0 up.

Howarth added: "Their bench was complaining that it wasn't a red card but the lad has stopped a goal with his hand on the line so the referee has been left with no decision.

"Justin is full of confidence at the moment - it was probably one of the best penalties I've ever seen, the 'keeper guessed the right way but it was firmly in the top corner."