JAN Molby has asked Kidderminster Harriers fans to be patient as his revamped side gels after a "steady rather than spectacular" start.

Harriers racked up three points from the Bank Holiday weekend but Molby admits the performances have been nothing to write home about.

They limped to a controversial late 1-0 win over Torquay on Saturday and then conceded a last-minute winner to deny them a good point at Hull two days later.

But Harriers must improve for Saturday's visit of Mansfield who are unbeaten in Division Three and romped to a 4-0 win over Macclesfield in their last match.

Molby, pleased to see his side keep two clean sheets at home, insisted: "It takes time to get going as we have a few new faces and a new system with the wide-men.

"We've won both home games in the league and haven't conceded but we're not playing as well as we would like. However, things can only improve.

"We haven't been disgraced in the two games we lost, the team hung in and competed. We're getting there slowly but it's going to take time."

Defender Scott Stamps (ankle) and Ian Foster (leg) are fighting for fitness for the weekend but former skipper Ian Clarkson could be handed a recall after a spell in the wilderness.

Parfait Medou-Otye is suspended for three games and teenager Lee Ayres will miss eight to 10 weeks after breaking his foot at Hull.

Molby reflected: "It's unfortunate for Lee as we all feel he was ahead of schedule.

"We took him in the first team earlier than anticipated and he coped with it which we expected as he takes things in his stride.

"It was up to the other centre-halves to get him out of the team but this injury is not a big deal at his age and the bone will heal. We have at least two players in every position to cope."

Mansfield's impressive form has yielded seven goals in the last two games, including a 3-2 beating of Harriers' rivals Cheltenham.

The Dane said: "Mansfield have a combination of a bit of experience and a lot of youngsters. They have some excellent players.

"Both full-backs, (Les) Robinson and (Allen) Tankard have a lot of quality. (Wayne) Corden's playing very well on the wing, (Craig) Disley is scoring goals and we all know about Chris Greenacre."

Molby had praise for keeper Stuart Brock's start to the season, declaring: "Our need for a goalkeeper was blown out of all proportion.

"Brock's got a lot of qualities. He's not a show-boating keeper, he does the minimum. He never looks like he makes world-class saves but the way he reads and anticipates shots is excellent.

"His selection over coming for crosses or staying on his line has been good. I know we're only five games in but he's proved himself in terms of a Third Division keeper."

Meanwhile, out-of-favour midfielder Paul Webb is on a month's loan at Conference side Hereford.

Winger Thomas Skovbjerg is quitting football and moving back to Denmark after failing to secure a trial with a club in England.