KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Stuart Watkiss is set to resist change as his men test their Nationwide Conference credentials at another fancied side tonight (7.45).

Watkiss takes Harriers to ex-Football League side Exeter City, who he tips to be among the front-runners, after beating another potential high-flier Woking 2-1 at the weekend.

But, despite the two-goal super sub showing from Taiwo Atieno in the first game of the season and the desire of Gareth Sheldon to impress at his old club, the boss is keen to name the same starting 11.

Loan signing Atieno's role in training has been restricted by a groin niggle so Watkiss is likely to stick with the same front three as long as left-winger Michael Blackwood is over his mumps symptoms.

He said: "The two lads, Sheldon and Atieno, made a good impact against Woking but, on the flip side, I thought the starting 11 did really well for 75 minutes.

"It may be we keep the same team at Exeter and give Atieno another few days to find his feet. There's a little bit of improvement in his groin problem but maybe Saturday is a little more realistic.

"Because of the closeness of the games, we've not been able to do much on the training ground as regards getting Tai used to how we do things with and without the ball.

"Sheldon is going back to his old club so obviously he'll be up for it but I thought Simon Russell did well on Saturday. I'll check on everyone's fitness before we go there."

Watkiss has plenty of respect for Exeter and their manager Alex Inglethorpe who he knows from his dealings over the Sheldon free transfer and coaching get-togethers.

He added: "They finished a place outside the play-offs last season and had a decent FA Cup run so it's going to be a big test for us and another chance to see where we are in comparison with another top team.

"Exeter have some good players and a good manager who I've got a lot of time and respect for. But if we can play like we did on Saturday then we should give them a decent game.

"Our overall play was not bad although maybe the final shot or cross can be improved. I'm always looking for improvements and we need to get our head on set-pieces more often."

Exeter won 2-0 at Gravesend in their opener, thanks to two goals from former Plymouth striker Lee Phillips, who has scored six in 15 Conference games since signing in February from Weymouth.

The Devon side were thrashed 5-2 by Harriers at St James Park when they were relegated to the Conference in 2003.

They now boast experienced former Birmingham City full-back Scott Hiley and goal-scoring midfielder Jon Challinor.