KIDDERMINSTER captain Ryan Croasdale says the players remain confident they can still bag automatic promotion this season.

Harriers will welcome second-placed Harrogate Town at Aggborough this Saturday (3pm kick-off) aiming to extend their impressive 17-game unbeaten run.

The Reds didn't have a game on Saturday after their clash at Spennymoor was called off due to a frozen pitch but remain in fifth place in National League North.

They are 10 point adrift of their weekend opponents and 12 away from tabletoppers Salford City, who also still face a trip to Worcestershire.

Croasdale said: "We're all ready for the game against Harrogate.

"It's so close at the top of the league and we've still got a lot of the top teams to play at home.

"The mindset at the club is all about trying to achieve automatic promotion and we're still confident that we can do that. We're all ready to go for Saturday.

"Everyone is working really hard in training and we don't treat any game differently to the next.

"We do go through the opposition before games but we mainly worry about ourselves and what we can do.

"Saying that, if you can't go up automatically then those first two play-off places are going to be really important this season. A win against Harrogate would also be a big step towards that, but we know it will be very tough."

On his role leading the Reds this term, he added: "It's been really good and I'd just like to thank the gaffer for giving me the chance and trusting me.

"I'm still young and a few of the other lads have helped me out but hopefully the experience will stand me in good stead for the rest of my career.

"I didn't have any hesitation in taking it on and I'm enjoying it."

Croasdale, who came to Aggborough after being released by Sheffield Wednesday, has also been pleased to add goals to his game this campaign.

The England C midfielder has found the net six times and chipped in with three assists so far.

He said: "I feel I have the energy to get up and down the pitch so wanted to add goals.

"I've been able to do that this season, which is another improvement I'm pleased with.

"Declan Weeks coming in has helped because I'm playing further forwards and he gets us playing and frees up myself and Macca (James McQuilkin). We are a good trio and working well together at the moment."