COLIN Gordon believes Harriers’ strong defensive display was the key to last night’s 1-0 win over Halifax.

The win prevent the inevitable relegation happening again as Ben Whitfield bagged his sixth goal of a season.

But the key to success was only a fourth clear sheet of the season in the Vanarama National League.

They also ended a run of seven games where they have conceded in the first 45 minutes.

With three games of the season remaining, Kidderminster are nine points from safety.

He said: "The win was important for the confidence and belief in the ground with the supporters, so they can see we are not going to go down and roll over.

"We are going to keep doing things our way.

"One or two of lads were a bit off, Elton Ngwatala was a bit off but that's the first time since coming back from injury he's played two games in a week.

"I am delighted with the result and in parts the performance.

"The biggest thing for us was not conceding in the first ten minutes and the confidence came when we got to half-time.

"We know we're a better second half side, we're a fit, quick and powerful team and we knew chances would come."

Whitfield’s 49th minute strike was the difference as Kidderminster’s patient passing paid off.

"We are going to have to educate our fan base because they were moaning when we went backwards but we went backwards with a purpose,” added Gordon.

"I can remember a goal against Lincoln where we had 28 passes which started at the back and ended with Ben Whitfield having a header at the far post.

"In this instance we passed it to Lewis Kinsella who hit a fantastic first time ball. We knew what we were doing, the fans were getting edgy but we knew what we were trying to do.

"Ben Whitfield took the ball in his stride and scored at the near post."