KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' manager Jan Molby is urging his players to put Sunday's disappointing defeat at York City behind them and make it a happy Christmas for fans still fearing the threat of relegation.

Despite a steady upturn in their fortunes since Molby returned to the Aggborough hot-seat, Harriers remain just three points above the drop zone in the Nationwide League Division Three.

They now face two tricky festive clashes at Yeovil Town on Boxing Day and Bristol Rovers at home on Sunday.

By losing 1-0 at York, the forthcoming holiday encounters have taken on even more significant and Molby says: "We need to get something from them.

"If we do we could find ourselves some way away from relegation, but on the other hand if we don't get anything the players and myself are right back in it."

He added: "This is a spell where you can make some headway in the league.

All we have had since I've been back here is matches once a week so it takes forever and a day to make progress up the table."

Despite Sunday's setback, which ended an unbeaten run of five away league and cup matches, Molby is reasonably content with the progress he and his assistant Gary Barnett have made with the squad during their first ten games back in charge.

The former Liverpool ace accepts, however, that his side don't dominate matches as much as he would like and that the balance in midfield is still not right.

"But every now and again we have a training session where you can say we are getting nearer to what we want to achieve.

"I think the players have enjoyed training since Gary and I came back. I'm not saying they didn't under the previous manager, but they have certainly enjoyed it since we have been here.

"The response has been good and they have worked as hard as they possibly can. The quality isn't always there but in terms of work rate and effort we can't complain."

Molby, meanwhile, has decided against extending Steve Burton's stint at Aggborough for a third month.

The Hull City defender, who joined Harriers on loan at the end of October, made his final appearance on Sunday when he was substituted during the second-half.