MANAGER Neil MacFarlane has been pleased with how his Kidderminster Harriers players have adapted to a new system in pre-season.

The new boss at Aggborough has switched to playing with three at the back during friendlies with Aston Villa and Burton Albion and is keen to stick to the formation.

Harriers continue their pre-season programme at home to Birmingham City under 23s on Saturday (3pm).

They put in a promising show in a 2-1 home loss to League One side Burton on Tuesday when summer signing Ed Williams scored.

The game saw last season's top scorer Joe Ironside, defender Joel Taylor and new midfielder James Baxendale all feature after injury.

MacFarlane said: “We need to be flexible as the season goes on and have the ability to switch our system which is something we’ll be working on.

"But when I came in and looked at the personnel we have I thought three at the back would suit us really well.

“The players have adapted well to it and seem to be enjoying it.

“There is still a lot of work to be done on the training pitch but at the moment it’s giving us the freedom to express ourselves while also allowing us to be solid and know our jobs when we don’t have the ball.”

Other friendlies on Saturday see Hereford FC host Newport County, Malvern Town visit Newent Town, Pershore Town go to Cadbury Athletic and Droitwich Spa entertain Cadbury Athletic Reserves.

Evesham United welcome Redditch United on Sunday in the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup semi-finals (3pm).