MANAGER Gary Whild believes there are plenty of reasons for Kidderminster Harriers to be positive with a third of the campaign already gone.

Wednesday’s 2-1 home victory over Welling United, under the glare of the BT Sport cameras, moved Harriers to within two points of the play-off zone ahead of today’s tough trip to early pace-setters Barnet (3pm).

Although the team have not always hit the heights hoped of them — drawing 1-1 against basement boys Telford United at Aggborough and losing three away matches in September — Whild remains satisfied with their progress.

He reckons the Harriers players deserve credit for keeping focus amid the financial uncertainty that surrounded the club.

The legal dispute with former board members Kath and Ernie Lane had threatened the payment of wages but that situation has now been resolved, easing the club’s cashflow worries.

“If you look at what’s going on at the club behind the scenes and what we’ve had to deal with, I think we’ve had a good start to the season,” the Kidderminster boss said.

“There is expectancy from the fans because we’ve got a group of players who have done very well in the past, but the club’s circumstances have changed.

“We should have a few more points on the board after dropping some against Chester and Telford, but overall it’s been a good start.

“The Telford performance aside, we’ve been competitive but we’ve got to turn those positive displays into points.”

Josh Gowling is set to return against Barnet after missing the Welling match with a one-game ban.

Midfielder Josh O’Keefe is also poised to be in contention after returning from his one-month loan spell at Telford.

Whild said: “Josh worked hard and did well at Telford. We’ve only got a squad of 18 at the moment, so he will definitely come into contention this weekend.

“Barnet will be a litmus test and will let us see where we really are in the league.”

Kidderminster go into the game in ninth place after 15 league games.