KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Mark Yates is hoping for a defensive performance akin to that against Stevenage Borough last weekend when he takes his side to high-flying York City on Sunday.

Stevenage, who are also going well in the Conference this season, took on Harriers last weekend after Yates' men had shipped nine goals in the two previous home games.

But Kidderminster's fragile defence staged a resolute performance to hold the visitors to a goalless draw.

However, the task of keeping out the Conference's top-scorer Andy Bishop -- a former Kidderminster player -- and his 14-goal strike partner Clayton Donaldson will be even more difficult.

Harriers are without club captain Daryl Burgess who is suspended after being sent off against Stevenage.

Burgess, handed a two-game ban for his dismissal, admitted he deserved to go but does not regret making the challenge as it more than likely prevented a goal.

Yates said: "York have been on a decent run over the last couple of months, but we have to expect to go there and get something.

"It might be that a point turns out to be a good result, but we have trained hard this week and we will be looking to win the game.

"I watched York play Altrincham on Tuesday night and they will definitely be a threat -- particularly Andy Bishop -- but we are determined to go there and put in a good performance."

Yates is expected to draft Johnny Harkness into his side at left-back, while Daniel Lewis, who impressed against Stevenage, is set to continue in goal in place of John Danby.

Because he was sent off against Burton earlier in the season, Burgess' punishment has been doubled and he will also sit out the visit to Canvey Island on Good Friday.

Midfielder Michael McGrath could be on the bench but long-term absentee Wayne Graves (groin) and Paul Smith (personal problems) are set to miss the trip to Yorkshire. Harriers' assistant manager Neil Howarth admitted losing Burgess from the defence that performed so well against Stevenage was a big blow.

But Howarth is keen to see how the youngsters react to facing the league's most potent strike-force.

He said: "Daryl has got a lot of experience so there is no doubt we'll miss him, but whoever comes in needs to show the same commitment and concentration as we did at the back against Stevenage."