KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager John Eustace wants more bravery from his players after losing their pre-season opener 4-0 to a strong Derby County line-up at Aggborough.

David Nugent opened the scoring for the Championship giants with a crisp finish and Craig Bryson doubled the lead after rounding the keeper.

Chris Martin’s cushioned volley made it three before the break before ex-England international Darren Bent’s header completed the scoring in the second half.

Eustace, whose National League North side host Aston Villa tonight (7.45pm), was pleased with a number of aspects of the workout.

But he said: “I felt we could have been braver and believed in ourselves a bit more in the first half.

“We are missing a lot of players from last season so it is about getting to know each other and getting fit.

“They’re playing against top players but I expected us to do a bit better though you can’t take anything away from Derby.

“They’re a class team and it is a fantastic learning experience for the boys.”

Harriers' Easter league trip to Boston United has been brought forward to Friday, March 30 (3pm), from the following day.