NEW skipper Mark Blake revealed Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Scunthorpe was inspired by some strong words from boss Jan Molby.

Blake, 30, the former Aston Villa, Leicester City and Walsall midfielder, led by example with a determined display in the Harriers' midfield.

And Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws' claim that Harriers were a "pretty" team clearly played on the minds of Blake and his team-mates.

He said: "It was a bit of psychology from the gaffer. He said their manager had come down to watch us against West Brom and said we were a small, pretty side who didn't like the tackles -- but we showed them otherwise.

"It's true we're not the biggest team but they were not going to come to our place and have it all their own way. We got the tackles in.

"We may be a football team but the fans have got to expect us to mix it a bit sometimes, we cannot always be pretty.

"I hope they enjoyed it, they gave good support and I'd like to thank them because we are going to need that all season. That includes when we play badly though I hope that won't happen too many times."

Blake quickly endeared himself to the fans with his attitude and commitment, not only during the game but before and after.

The former England U-21 cap continued: "It took us 25 minutes to get into the game. But in the second half - and I may be a bit biased - we were comfortable apart from injury-time.

"Everyone put in 100 per cent. The first game is always harsh and you are never going to be used to the pace. You need to dig in which we did. And it was a great free-kick and a great deflection!"

Molby told Blake he would be taking the captaincy last Friday after training but the new man insisted: "Everyone needs to be a leader and a talker."

And he had words of encouragement for young midfield partner Ben Davies, adding: "Ben came into the game well. He was up against Carl Bradshaw and I said to him that his opponent didn't have the legs to get past him.

"All he needed to do was get close to him and he would be able to play off him. In the second half he was brilliant, getting tackles in and going forward. He'll be a really good player."