Saturday, November 25, 2000

JAN Molby hopes Kidderminster Harriers can build on their welcome return to winning ways with Saturday's 3-1 Nationwide League Division Three triumph over York City at Aggborough.

"I'm pleased to have the three points. It's exactly what we needed and the right tonic for tomorrow's FA Cup replay at Burton," said the Harriers boss after his side had ended a run of five home league games without a win.

Harriers paved the way to success by racing into a 3-0 lead in the first half- hour with goals from Adie Smith (2) and man-of-the-match Ian Foster.

It was the first time Kidderminster had notched three goals at Aggborough this season and lifted them back into the top half of the table.

Molby said: "I thought some of our app-roach play and movement was excellent. It wasn't an outstanding performance for the full 90 minutes but we gave ourselves a tremendous cushion with three goals in the opening 30 minutes.

"Some of our play was very good and some was a little bit patchy but it was a home win and three goals and at least we have a starting point now. We are looking for more, but it was better.

"I've got no doubt about the ability in the squad but ability isn't enough, you have got to have other things like desire.

"Confidence also comes into it and you only get that from one thing which is by playing well, scoring goals and winning games.

"There's still a lot of things we can do better and believe me we will, but it's now as if the season starts all over again."

Molby introduced new signing Neil Mackenzie after an hour with the former Cambridge United midfielder making a quick impression and going perilously close to scoring in the 77th minute with a blistering 30-yard shot which flew just over the bar. Molby said: "I think we saw already that he's going to be an asset for us.

"The players get excited when he bring in new players because they know it's going to benefit them in the long run. Okay, one or two might miss out from time to time, but you always welcome good players into your squad."

Harriers took the lead in the 15th minute when a cross from Scott Stamps was only half cleared and Smith fired home from 15 yards.

Three minutes later Stamps fashioned another goal when his defence-splitting pass was collected by Foster who went on to coolly slot past 'keeper Alan Fettis.

Foster then whipped in a cross to the far post for Smith to head home from close range.

Shell-shocked York gave themselves hope when a defensive mix-up enabled Lee Bullock to pull a goal back.

After the break battling York failed to make the most of a handful of chances while Harriers went close to extending their lead with efforts from Mackenzie, Durnin and Webb.