Break is no problem to Harriers star

Matthew Blair believes Saturday's win at Mansfield was ample proof that a two-week break has not hampered Kidderminster Harriers' momentum.

Harriers continued their unbeaten run in 2011 with their 17th game without defeat - a 2-1 win at Mansfield on Saturday - having played all of the other promotion contenders in the top five during that time-frame.

Spirits remain high for the play-off chasers going into the last month of the season, which begins with the visit of third-placed Luton to Aggborough on Saturday - who today replaced manager Richard Money with his assistant Gary Brabin.

Winger Blair was among the star men who went to Field Mill on Saturday having not played for a fortnight, while their hosts were still on cloud nine after reaching the final of the FA Trophy.

But a goal in each half from top scorer Chris McPhee and Keith Briggs, with Blair going close in the first half-hour, put Harriers in command before Adam Murray's late reply sparked a tense finale.

And Blair insists the scoreline flattered Mansfield, after revealing manager Steve Burr had told him a good start would be the key to unlocking the home side.

The wide man said: "The gaffer told us before the game that we would have to come out flying in the first-half.

"Everyone knows we had two weeks off and that made the start here even more important because, after having the break, we could have gone either way.

"But we started really well. I had a couple of chances and I probably should have done a bit better with my header - Nick Wright had a couple of opportunities as well.

"We should have gone in at half-time two or three up."