MICHAEL Gash has had to bide his time in getting off the mark for Kidderminster Harriers.

The 28-year-old striker has made a series of substitute appearances this term but had to wait until Tuesday’s 4-0 victory over Altrincham to earn his first start of the campaign.

Last season’s top-scorer responded in impressive style by bagging the opener in a comfortable Vanarama Conference victory as Harriers bounced back from consecutive defeats.

Nathan Blissett and Craig Reid have been the preferred striking options for Whild this season, with Reece Styche also involved — the latter two were also on target against Altrincham, along with Marvin Johnson.

But the manager has been impressed with Gash’s attitude and could consider keeping him in the side for today’s visit of Grimsby Town to Aggborough.

He said: “He’d be the first to admit the likes of Nathan Blissett and Craig Reid had earned their place in the team and he’s had to be patient, which he has been.

“His attitude has been fantastic and he’s taken his chance. We all know what Michael Gash brings to the team and when the ball spun up into the air and you see him to lining up you expect the back of the net to ripple.”

Following away defeats against Southport and Braintree, Whild knew the importance of getting back on track and was pleased to see the goals shared around.

“After the previous two games, it was important to get a win,” he said. “To do it with a bit of style and score a few goals, I am delighted.

“Whether it’s a striker or whatever, you want to put the ball in the back of the net.

“If you look at Marvin Johnson as a forward, they all scored and hopefully that will give them a lot of confidence.”

On Harriers’ eighth-place in the table after 10 games, Whild added: “If you look at the league, there is nothing in it.

“If we had a couple of more points, and we’re right in the mix now, we’d be in the top three.”