AS the scalps of Bristol City and West Bromwich Albion were claimed in July, fans looked forward to Harriers' second season in the Third Division with new hope.

The signings look good and the other players will be getting used to the rigours of the Football League, we thought.

But everyone knows pre-season results mean nothing and here is the all-too-obvious proof.

It has been a tough start for Harriers with their only two wins at home to Scunthorpe and Torquay being rather fortunate in the eyes of most people.

But the away defeats had not been heavy - 2-0 at Darlington, 2-1 at Hull and 2-0 at Rochdale - until Tuesday's 4-0 hammering at Shrewsbury.

In my memory, Harriers have very rarely achieved results away from home on a consistent basis but that's no excuse for a woeful display this week.

These difficult times are exactly when a club needs the support of its fans but it's clear the Football League has not made much of an impression on Wyre Forest folk.

The result is that Harriers are relying mainly on their faithful hardcore supp'ort, as was no doubt the case at Gay Meadow.

But even the loyal supporters' patience will be tested with such displays and boss Jan Molby has a real test to solve the problems around him.

Currently, Exeter and Carlisle stand out as the prime relegation candidates but Harriers will have to get a grip soon if they are not to join them.