OPTIMISTIC Kidderminster Cricket Club captain Sean Lloyd believes their young team should now be looking towards the top of the table rather than avoiding the drop.

Lloyd admitted he has become more positive about the Birmingham League Division One campaign over recent weeks after seeing what the players are capable of.

But he will want to avoid displays like Monday's losing draw with leaders Wellington when he felt there was a lack of confidence.

Kidderminster also need to rely less on the batting of veteran Mark Mansell and classy Gurdeep Kandola, according to Lloyd.

He said: "We were poor on Monday although Wellington were probably the best side we have played.

"It was a flashback to the last few seasons where the confidence hasn't quite been there.

"Wellington's 189 in 30 overs was a a big-ish total but I was reasonably confident we could get somewhere near it or even win the game.

"But we have been very reliant on the batting of Mansell and Kandola who couldn't play."

However, Kidderminster beat Bedworth on Saturday and Lloyd does believe there is a lot more to come from the team, including all-rounder Richard Wilkinson who has impressed on his return.

He admitted: "At the start of the season I thought if we remain in the division we will have done well.

"But now I would be disappointed if we were not in the mix-up to get promoted at the end of the year. The Wellington game was probably the most disappointed I have been so far."

Kidderminster head to West Bromwich Dartmouth, who joined them in being relegated last season, in the league on Saturday.

And their young stars will have a major test at Premier League Walsall in the National Knock-out Cup fourth round on Sunday.

The game has been switched as there is a county board game between Worcestershire and Warwickshire at Chester Road.

Kandola and wicket-keeper Steve Davies will not be available due to county duties and overseas player Mandeep Singh is not allowed to play under competition rules.

But Lloyd added: "Walsall will be in the same position as us which should even things up."