IT may be some time before Kidderminster Harriers and Bristol Rovers lock horns again in a league clash following the Aggborough men's relegation to the Nationwide Conference.

But Saturday's goalless friendly between the two sides at least gave Harriers fans renewed hope after their embarrassing 2-0 defeat at Worcester City on Tuesday.

A solid defensive display kept out a strong Rovers line-up and the hosts probably had the better opportunities to bag the only goal.

But there can be no doubt manager Stuart Watkiss desperately needs added firepower to support Iyseden Christie if they are going to make much of an impact in the Conference.

Watkiss is working over-time in trying to boost the attack, which currently has a promising supply-line through the likes of winger Michael Blackwood.

Gary McPhee, who started off as a young professional at Coventry City before leaving for Irish side St Patrick's Athletic in 2002 and having a recent trial with Shrewsbury Town, is one forward under scrutiny. The 25-year-old Scot played the whole second-half against Rovers but was starved of chances and will have to catch the eye in training this week.

John Danby was the first 'keeper in action, saving well at his near post from Jamie Forrester on seven minutes.

But Rovers custodian Shaun Marshall had to be alert to make two fine saves before the interval, tipping away a stunning 40-yarder from Steve Burton and a low Lee Thompson drive.

Danby pushed away a Steve Elliot header in the second period, while Marshall coped with a Simon Russell curler and Gareth Sheldon free-kick. Watkiss said: "Defensively we were quite solid so I'm pleased with that. But we have still got to work on being a little bit more penetrative once we get into the last third of the pitch."

Harriers: Danby; Evans, Jackson, Burgess, Burton (Hatswell 45); Russell, Fleming, Wilson, Thompson (McPhee 45); Christie (Sheldon 45), Blackwood. Subs not used: Lewis, Penn, Hurren, Hollis.

Rovers: Marshall (Shearer 68); Hinton, Elliot, Anderson (Bass 60), Ryan (Carruthers 45); Gibb (Vieira 85), Disley (Williams 45), Sommer (Lescott 45), Campbell; Louis (Agogo 45), Forrester (Walker 45).

Attendance: 450 approx.