KIDDERMINSTER boss John Eustace has called for solidarity as his players work hard to overcome a difficult period.

Harriers were once more left to rue missed chances and a poor second half showing when Curzon Ashton hit back late on to pinch a point on Tuesday night.

The Reds had twice led in the contest through captain Ryan Croasdale and forward Joe Ironside but were twice pegged bag as their defensive frailties showed late on.

It was a game that mirrored last Saturday stalemate with Boston when a slower second half again saw Harriers punished.

Mani Sonupe's early effort was cancelled out as Boston battled back to draw 1-1.

Back-to-back home draws have left Eustace calling for everyone connected to the club to stick to together while his players work to recapture last season's sparkle.

Speaking after the Curzon game, he said: "We're really disappointed we didn't get the three points today and Saturday, but that's football.

"We've played some fantastic stuff that first half again and we could see the team is getting back to how we want it to be. You can see there are three or four lads out there that are certainly unfit but we're trying our hardest to get them fit, that's why we put them in the team. Those lads are working their socks off, as is the rest of the group, and there attitude over the last two games has been fantastic. I can't ask for much more.

"If you don't take your chances you don't win games. I know it's frustrating and everyone is frustrated but we keep working hard and hopefully we'll be able to take those chances sooner rather than later.

"We go out and try and play exactly the same as we did in the first half. We are getting punished at the moment and it's a great learning experience for the young group. They have to learn from it, we all have to learn from it, and we have to try and be better at the start of second halves.

"Their attitude has been fantastic and we need everyone to stick behind them, the fans especially. It's tough being young pros and you have to remember they are only 21 and 22-year-old lads and we have all got to stick together. That is what will get us through this little sticky period.

"It's men's football and they are trying there socks off for the club and for the fans."

Harriers will now go to Southport this Saturday as they begin a run of three away fixtures, including an FA Cup clash with Deeping Rangers.

Eustace added: "I'm not interest in any other team. I'm only interested in this young group bouncing back again after a disappointing draw. We'll be ready to go.

"The positives to take out of today are massive. The way we played football in the first half today and on Saturday was fantastic. We created lots of chances but we didn't take our chances. We'll go to Southport looking forward to the game."