McPhee back on form for Harriers

Kidderminster Harriers manager Steve Burr believes the old Chris McPhee is back after watching the captain fire on all cylinders at Gateshead.

The skipper's two second-half goals led the team to a 2-0 win after the long trek up north, his first game back since missing a penalty in last Monday's 1-1 draw with Rushden & Diamonds.

McPhee missed the 1-0 defeat at Barrow on Thursday with illness, but recovered to take his place and put his goal return for the season into double figures with 10.

The 27-year-old has been the heartbeat of the Harriers team this season but manager Steve Burr admitted the penalty miss had got him down, coming right bang in the middle of back-to-back defeats on the road starting at Altrincham.

It was down to the captain on Saturday, and his manager was pleased to see his chosen leader back to his old self.

Burr said: "Chris was unfortunate last week with the penalty miss and he had lost a bit of confidence, but the two goals on Saturday were very good.

"It was nice to see him on the end of them - he's got a big smile on his face now which is what you want."

Harriers have relative freedom on the field with the play-offs out of sight and relegation even more improbable, but with just four players under contract for next season most of the squad are playing for their futures.

McPhee has a year left on his deal, along with Robbie Matthews, assistant boss John Finnigan and Jack Byrne.

And all will be looking to impress boss Burr in the four games remaining.

He added: "It is important we try and win every game now until the end of the season."