KIDDERMINSTER Harriers hope to take another giant step away from the Nationwide League Division Three relegation zone tomorrow.

They entertain fellow strugglers Southend United in a crunch match at Aggborough.

Harriers go into the match in fourth from bottom spot just two points better off than the Shrimpers who have yet to win an away league game this season.

Under-fire manager Ian Britton's men took some of the pressure off themselves last Saturday when they ended a grim run of nine games without a victory by clinching a crucial 2-1 win over basement club Carlisle United.

The winner came from midfielder Danny Williams who is eager for Harriers to conjure up a similar outcome tomorrow.

He said: "Southend haven't been going too well but we've got to put that to the back of our minds and get on with our jobs."

He is also looking forward to coming up against former Harriers favourite Drewe Broughton, who is expected to be in the Shrimpers front-line.

He said: "Drewe gave 100 per cent while he was here and the fans liked him for that. He will probably get sent off after five minutes!"

Bustling Broughton has been in the starting line-up in Southend's last two matches.

But he has only one goal to his credit this season in 12 appearances, scored in a Carling Cup tie against Swindon Town.

The inspiration behind Harriers' win over Carlisle was talented midfielder John Melligan who produced a man-of-the-match display on his return to Aggborough on a month's loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Melligan, who spent most of last season with Harriers, scoring 12 goals in 31 games, is convinced the side are capable of climbing the table.

He said: "The team is too good to be on a bad run. Hopefully, we won't be in this position for too long.

"With a few results and a bit of luck, we can be up there in the table again like last season. The team and players are good enough."

Harriers' leading scorer Williams backs up Melligan's optimism and said: "You have got to go out there and say 'this is a game we are going to win'.

"The gaffer has been saying to the lads to just go out and play. If you are nervous you are not going to have a good game.

"If you are panicking and want another touch, you will get tackled and put the team under pressure."

Southend have never won a league match at Aggborough in three attempts. Melligan was Harriers' match-winner last season when he scored in a 1-0 triumph.

The previous season's 2-0 win was Britton's first match as caretaker manager following the departure of Jan Molby.

Harriers travel to Second Division high-flyers Queen's Park Rangers on Tuesday in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

FORMCAST: Harriers to win 1-0.