IAN Britton hopes to continue to shock other clubs and even Kidderminster Harriers' own fans after an "encouraging" first half of the season.

Eleventh-placed Harriers are well placed to break into the Division Three play-offs in 2003 with games in hand.

It is an impressive achievement despite the on and off-field cuts at Aggborough which left little optimism at the start of the season.

Britton's men have a major test of their promotion credentials on Saturday when second-placed Rushden and Diamonds head to Kidderminster.

He admitted: "For all the trauma the club has gone through since last season, we have got through it and shocked a few people.

"Up to now, I would say the season has been encouraging though I still have to say we are over-achieving.

"We have not only shocked other teams with the way we are playing but also some of our supporters. They have certainly had their money's worth.

"I am quite happy with how we are doing and an added bonus is the games we have in hand."

Harriers have not played since December 29 due to the Exeter away trip being twice postponed due to the weather.

But they are aiming to continue their three-match unbeaten run against rivals Rushden who have proved tough to beat this season.

Harriers lost 3-1 at Nene Park in the league and were knocked out of the FA Cup by the Northamptonshire club after a replay.

Britton said: "It would be nice to get a result against them after the three games we have played so far.

"I feel we have generally played all right against them and I want it to be fourth time lucky at home.

"Their results have proved why they are second in the league. They are a good, physically strong side.

"We always have difficult games against them but they are always good matches.

"I'm hoping for a good crowd seeing as they are near the top and we have hit a bit of form and haven't played recently."

Non-contract signing John Hodge is in the Harriers squad but Britton has insisted the former Walsall winger is cover for dwindling numbers.

The Worcester-based 33-year-old, who can play on either flank, has made 362 Football League appearances, mostly in Division Two, scoring 35 goals.

He left Falmouth for Exeter in 1991 before going on to play for Swansea, Walsall, Gillingham and Northampton.

Britton added: "He's been training with us for a couple of weeks and has done all right.

"We are down on numbers and it's just for cover at the moment. He lost his appetite for the game after being released by Northampton in the summer.

"You can see in training that he's got good feet and is a good crosser of the ball."

Sean Parrish (hamstring) and Adie Smith (ankle) have a chance of returning to Saturday's squad.