COACH Matt Gardiner was pleased with the way Harriers managed a tough challenge against Stockport County.

Kidderminster won 2-0 at Aggborough but were made to work for the points from a very even encounter against a side looking to push into the league's top five.

Arthur Gnahoua and Elton Ngwatala struck in each half to hand Harriers an important success.

Gardiner said: "You can see where their strengths are and you can see why they haven't lost since the middle of November.

"It was always going to be a tough game but we've managed it very well. The lads were excellent.

"They'll look to when they hit the post early on but we've had some good chances as well. It was always going to be a battle. Stockport are a good team and we've executed what we were looking to do and I'm really pleased for all of the players."

On the first goal, which was Gnahoua's first since early December, he added: "It was a good time to score and the closing down today and the off-the-ball work from the players was fantastic and that was another good example. Arthur didn't give up on a lost cause and obviously he's nipped in and managed to put it away.

"He's always a threat and is so creative. The whole team were great today but there were some great individual performances and Arthur was one of them."

Next up for Harriers is a trip to face mid-table Brackley on Tuesday night.

"It's going to be a tough night at Brackley," said Gardiner. "Obviously we have got to get prepared and ready and rearing to go, and I'm sure they will be.

"The gaffer prepares the team excellently. We'll just concentrate on that next performance and make sure it's as positive as it can be."