HUDDERSFIELD 1, HARRIERS 0

SPIRITED Kidderminster Harriers could at least hold their heads up high after making life difficult for Huddersfield in Division Three on Tuesday night.

But a 1-0 loss at The Alfred McAlpine Stadium, their fourth straight defeat, meant they slumped into the dreaded relegation spots.

Boss Ian Britton this week received the backing of chairman Colin Youngjohns after Saturday's thrashing at Hull and he knows the next two games could be vital to his future.

Harriers face home clashes against bottom club Carlisle, who could leapfrog them if they win, followed by Drewe Broughton's Southend who are also among the early strugglers.

Britton has warned his players they must take their share of responsibility for the team's bad run which sees them without a win in the last nine games.

Though he will not have been happy with Huddersfield's 12th-minute strike in mid-week, surely more of a concern continues to be their lack of goals.

They have scored just five in their search for a victory so any single defensive mistake is very likely to prevent victory in the current climate.

Harriers saw Division Three's hottest property, 20-year-old Jon Stead, claim his ninth goal of the season in their latest defeat.

Stead was also denied another by the offside flag in the second half but Harriers did deserve some reward for a hearty display.

After the weekend mauling, the players needed to respond and they came up with a battling performance in front of around 90 travelling fans to at least buy Britton more time.

Chairman Youngjohns was able to raise a smile at the end and was pleased to see more fight from his confidence-starved players.

Harriers went behind to a move which stemmed from their own corner as they continue to struggle to make the most of flag-kicks.

A foul handed the initiative to Huddersfield and the Harriers defence failed to deal with a Lee Fowler free-kick which former Premiership striker Andy Booth flicked on.

Danny Schofield rounded keeper Stuart Brock only for Danny Williams to clear off the line but there was Stead to slot home the rebound.

Instead of crumbling, Harriers worked hard to frustrate Huddersfield and, although Brock had to keep them in the contest, the visitors did have chances to seize at least a point.

Bo Henriksen, recalled to the starting line-up, looked dangerous and set up John Williams who badly mis-kicked with the goal at his mercy on the half-hour mark.

But on-song Brock had to save smartly to his left soon after when Schofield was given a one-on-one opportunity by Stead's pass.

After the break, Harriers' Henriksen forced a fine save from Ian Gray before Kidderminster's best chance of the game on 61 minutes.

Scott Stamps' free-kick was met perfectly by D Williams but he aimed his powerful downward header into the ground and it bounced over the bar much to Gray's relief.

Just before that Stead had claims for a second goal ruled out by an off-side flag when he tucked home Andy Holdsworth's cross.

Brock was still a busy man, twice denying Booth in quick succession on 72 minutes.

His tip-over from a fierce header after Tony Carss' corner was particularly acrobatic.

Although the season is still young, the next two games take on major significance when it comes to the future of Harriers in the Football League and that of under-fire boss Britton.

HUDDERSFIELD: Gray; Yates, Scott, Mirfin; Holdsworth (Sodje 81), Fowler, Worthington, Schofield, Carss; Stead, Booth. Subs not used: Newby, Mattis, Lloyd, Senior.

HARRIERS: Brock 7; Smith 6, Willis 7, Stamps 6; Bennett 6 (Dyer 68, 6), D Williams 7 (Parrish 76), Ward 7, Betts 6, Shilton 6; Henriksen 8, J Williams 5 (Bishop 68, 7). Subs not used: Hinton, Gadsby.

ATTENDANCE: 8,275.

SHOTS ON: Huddersfield 10, Harriers 1.

SHOTS OFF: Huddersfield 6, Harriers 10.

CORNERS: Huddersfield 4, Harriers 5.

GOALS: Stead 12.

YELLOW CARDS: Huddersfield 2 (Stead, Fowler), Harriers 3 (Shilton, Ward, Willis).

SHUTTLE STAR MAN: Bo Henriksen. Recalled to the starting line-up, Henriksen proved what he is capable of after some unconvincing displays. He looked sharp and creative, and if he stays in this form he could be the answer to Ian Britton's prayers. Like the team as a whole he just needs a break.