MANAGER Mark Yates has praised the backing of Kidderminster Harriers’ fans after watching his side make an impressive return to form.

He believes that the supporters’ encouragement has played a big part in Harriers’ four-game unbeaten run, which has thrust them back into the play-off reckoning in the Blue Square Premier.

Yates also thanked fans’ group KHIST for contributing £1,000 towards their overnight stay before Saturday’s clash at Lewes, which they won 1-0.

“KHIST put some money towards the overnight stay and it made a big difference,” commented the manager.

“If we had travelled down on the day it would have taken four hours, so their generosity made a big difference.

“The players were made up by the news that we could stay overnight, so I’d like to say a big thanks to KHIST.

“The fans have been great all season. They got frustrated when we had our dip in form, which is understandable, but they can also see we’re getting back to our best.

“The players have worked very hard and we're looking purposeful again.”

With games in hand on many of the rivals for the play-offs, sixth-placed Harriers are poised for a final assault on the top five.

However, a run of five games in nine days in April could be crucial as they bid to regain their Football League place.

Harriers start the run at home to Stevenage on Saturday, April 4, then face Forest Green away on the Tuesday and make a trip to Ebbsfleet two days later, before going to Altrincham on the Saturday and end the sequence at home to Burton on Easter Monday.

The club are hoping to move at least one of the games in a bid not to disrupt their charge to into the top five.

“Five matches in nine days may have a big say on our season,” commented Yates.

“We’re hoping to try and fix it but if we can’t we’ll just have to get on with it.”

Apart from Andy Ferrell, who is still out after surgery on his knee, Harriers go into Saturday’s home league clash against Woking with no other injury worries.

They then go to play-off rivals Wrexham on Monday (7.45pm kick-off).

Midfielder Sam Foley has extended his loan at Newport County until the end of the season after a successful spell at the Welsh club.