MARK Creighton hailed the leadership qualities of Jared Hodgkiss after his cup winning heroics for Kidderminster Harriers.

The reliable right-back capped a fine week by bagging the winner as the Reds defeated Worcester City 2-1 at Aggborough to seal the Worcestershire Senior Cup for the first time in five years.

Hodgkiss, 28, was also the club’s big winner at the end of season awards as he was named player of the season by manager Gary Whild and was also the fans’ and his team-mates’ choice.

The former Forest Green Rovers man saw his consistency recognised as he received an accolade for the most man of the match awards in the 2014-15 season.

Creighton also revealed the right back is contracted to Harriers next season after triggering an appearance-based contract extension.

The assistant manager said: “Jared is tied up with us for next season, he can’t go anywhere and if he wasn’t we’d be doing our best to keep him because he’s been outstanding.

“When he joined he had some big boots to fill after Lee Vaughan, who was very popular, left but he’s shown what a leader he is.

“That’s not only on the pitch but off it, the lads look up to him and go to him for everything and he’s a proper captain.”

Defender Jamie Grimes won two awards for his efforts across a testing campaign. Harriers will be looking to complete a testing campaign on a high when they go to play-off hopefuls Eastleigh on Saturday (5.15pm ko).

The Spitfires need a point to ensure a top five finish but Kidderminster are enjoying a mini-revival after holding leaders Barnet to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

The management team are set to have few selection headaches for the clash in Hampshire.

An experienced side more than matched champions-elect Barnet, while the club’s young guns impressed against City midweek.

Creighton added: “We we will put out the side we think is capable of winning the game.

“Everyone has performed and put a shift in over the last couple of weeks and that’s what you want."

“You don’t always get that but over the course of the season, I don’t think the players have been consistent enough.

“There should be competition for shirts because that drives everybody on.

“There are decisions to be made but it’s better than not having the competition.”