Saturday, January 15, 2000.

Kidderminster Harriers opened up a three point lead at the top of the Nationwide Conference table after two goals from Ian Foster earned them a 2-1 victory over Hayes at Aggborough on Saturday.

The on-song striker netted in each half to stretch Harriers' unbeaten league run to nine matches.

Former Hereford United front runner Foster has now scored six goals in his side's last three league outings - a burst which earned him praise from team mate Andy Brownrigg, who tasted his first conference action since October 9 following a cartilage operation.

Midfielder Brownrigg, who came on as a 48th minute substitute for Dean Bennett said: ''Ian is doing really well. Since the gaffer put him up front you can't ask for better than that. He's shown that he's a good scorer and without his goals we wouldn't be top.''

Lowly Hayes, however, made manager Jan Molby's men battle every inch of the way for their precious victory.

Former Hereford campaigner Brownrigg said: ''Teams are going to come here now and want to knock us down because we are top of the league. Everybody is going to give that much extra, but we are top and the incentive is to stay there.''

Harriers, who went close to falling behind when a Ryan Spencer effort was headed off the line by Craig Hinton, went ahead in the 13th minute when Foster finished off one of several dangerous crosses from man-of-the-match Thomas Skovbjerg.

Hayes, however, refused to be unsettled by the setback and drew level in the 39th minute when David Stevens knocked the ball in from close range.

Kidderminster, beaten 2-0 at Hayes on October 2, took just one minute of the second half to notch what proved to be the winner.

This time it was Scott Stamps and Stewart Hadley who created the opportunity for leading scorer Foster to notch his 11th goal of the season.

Kidderminster set about trying to increase their lead but Hayes made it difficult for them and in the closing stages Molby and his men had to overcome some anxious moments before victory was finally sealed.

It was their ninth home League win of the season and one which Brownrigg hopes will help put Harriers into the Football League next term.

''For the lads the incentive is Third Division football next season. The team spirit is brilliant. All the lads get on the gaffer and all the backroom staff are motivating us really well.''