COACH Matt Gardiner has praised Kidderminster's "brave" young players after their win over Telford United.

Harriers finally broke down a stubborn United rearguard when Darryl Knights netted in the 85th minute to give his side a vital three points in their quest to keep the pressure on league leaders Fylde.

For large periods Harriers were repelled by the determined Telford defence and goalkeeper James Montgomery in particular.

Gardiner said: "The players have done very well today. In fairness to Telford, they've come here with a plan, they've frustrated.

"We've got no divine right to go and play football and sweep teams aside, so we had to be patient, we knew that.

"We kept going and it's a credit to all of the boys, the whole squad. You could see again the changes have been positive.

"All we ask is that people make a positive impact and I think everyone has done that.

"The last home games you have seen a similar pattern with the types of teams that have come here to try and stop us playing. We're having to come up with different ways but again they are carrying out that game plan, showing patience and learning all the time.

"We keep doing the right things and we've got the goal today. I thought they (Telford) managed the game very well, slowed it down and didn't let us have a lot of the ball.

"It's hard when teams do that. So for the boys to carry on and be brave and go and get on the football in those situations, which is what you have to do, it's a credit to them."