CHRISTMAS has been put on ice for Kidderminster Harriers as the Skrill Premier promotion race hots up.

Chairman Mark Serrell revealed he postponed last weekend’s festive night out until the end of the season to keep the players’ minds focused on the pitch.

As well as an FA Cup third round tie with League One high-fliers Peterborough United next month, Harriers have a crucial period ahead if they are to avoid slipping off the league promotion pace.

They kick off a busy spell at home to Alfreton Town tomorrow (3pm) before a testing trip to Grimsby Town next Thursday is followed by clashes with rivals Hereford United and Luton Town.

Luton and Grimsby are in the play-off zone with third-placed Harriers, who have slipped nine points behind leaders Cambridge United as the away form of Steve Burr’s side threatens to derail their bid.

After last weekend’s thrilling 4-2 FA Cup win over higher-ranked Newport County, Kidderminster crashed back down to earth with a dull 1-0 league defeat at lowly Woking.

While Harriers are unbeaten in 10 Aggborough matches, they have also already lost at Alfreton (3-1), Nuneaton Town (2-1), Dartford (3-0) and Barnet (1-0) in the Skrill Premier this season.

Serrell admitted: “I actually cancelled the Christmas party for the players last Thursday morning.

“Steve and I had a discussion about it and decided it was the best thing to do. I am sure I am going to get ribbed by the players now but I am putting Christmas on hold.

“We’ve got a long time in the summer to celebrate Christmas.

“If it helps get a fantastic result like Newport, I am happy to do it. I will probably cancel all sorts of things if that’s the sort of performance we’re going to get.” Manager Burr admitted after Woking: “We’ll have to get back at it tomorrow but I have to say a special thank you to the people who came from Kidderminster to support the team.

“You could see there were one or two players who were running on empty a bit and we just never got going.”

Key midfielders Lee Fowler and skipper Kyle Storer boost Harriers by returning against Alfreton after one-game bans for five yellow cards each.

Kidderminster are offering fans aged under 16 free admission to the game.