HARRIERS head coach Matt Gardiner praise the club's "brave" young players after back-to-back victories pushed them to third place in National League North.

Successive 3-0 home wins have put Kidderminster firmly back on track after a disappointing start to the month saw them exit the FA Cup at Blackpool and lose at Halifax Town.

But more joy at Aggborough has catapulted them back onto the heels of leaders AFC Fylde.

Arthur Gnahoua, Elton Ngwatala and Tyrell Waite all found the back of the net as Harriers put Gainsborough Trinity to the sword last Saturday to return to winning ways.

That was quickly followed up on Tuesday night with another comfortable success against Gloucester City for manager John Eustace's men.

Gnahoua bagged a double in the second half to take his tally for the season to 11 after a first half own goal from Sam Avery had handed Harriers a narrow half time lead.

Gardiner was delighted with how the players performed against Gloucester and the quality they showed for their second and third goals on the night.

He said: "Gloucester are a good team and deserve a bit of credit for stopping us playing. The manager and I were really pleased for the players because they worked it out for themselves, sticking to their beliefs and principles. We knew if we kept on doing what we do then the goals would come.

"It is good because you have to be brave to play this way. The gaffer is instilling it every day, to go out and carry it out, sticking to the gameplan. The third goal was very pleasing because of the one-touch football and varying the play too. It is very good.

"We are just going to keep our heads down and work hard, concentrate on the next game, which is all we can do."

Gardiner was also encouraged by how the players battled through a difficult opening 20 minutes as City worked hard to close down the space.

"We talked about it on Saturday against Gainsborough and it was the same tonight in the first 20 minutes," he added. "Gloucester are a good team and deserve a bit of credit for stopping us playing.

"We have to cope with that. It is a young group and a good learning experience."

Harriers now have a break from league action as they prepare to host Lincoln United in the FA Trophy at home this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Gardiner said: "We just have to make sure we do our jobs right and hopefully we get the positive result. There is no point in talking or looking any further ahead than Saturday’s game.

"As we said from the start, we want to be competitive in every game and that goes for the next one."

The coach also views the game as another chance to continue their momentum rather than an unwanted distraction from their league commitments.

"We want to stay on a roll and it is another home game," he said. "We will just keep playing the way we are playing. The supporters were great again and hopefully a few more will come on Saturday to have a look at what we are doing."