Harriers boss Steve Burr was buoyed by his side's 3-1 win over Darlington, which kept their play-off hopes alive and kicking.

Goals for Anthony Malbon, Ryan Rowe and Dave Hankin made sure Harriers bounced back from Ryan Bowman's opening strike.

Victory also lifted the Aggborough outfit back to seventh in the table in the Blue Square Bet Premier and leaves them three points off fifth place, although Grimsby and York have games in hand on Burr's boys.

This was also the first home win in the league since Harriers put Hayes and Yeading to the sword in January, ending a winless run of six matches at Aggborough.

"We're still in there and it was good to get all three points," said Burr.

"Darlington are having a few problems but if you look at their team sheet they have a few inexperienced players and they're a hard side to break down.

"I thought we started off well but we got undone by a long throw, it was a good goal for their dug out but a bad one from ours.

"I thought we were doing okay, we created a few great chances in the first half but in the end we got the breaks in the second half and went onto win the game."

The manager was also cheered by Rowe's first strike for Harriers, who made it 3-1 in the 89th minute, just 60 seconds after coming onto the pitch.

The Cookley-based hitman joined in February but has taken time to settle in and has had to settle for substitute performances.

He said: "I was pleased Ryan Rowe got off the mark for us, that will give him a big lift.

"We wanted to get best out of him, it was the same for Anthony Malbon and Marvin Johnson, but they have all settled in really well.

"Sometimes it takes longer for somebody to settle in than others.

"I am quite excited about these lads and it looks good for the future."

Harriers now have a full week to prepare for Saturday's league clash at play-off rivals Grimbsy Town (3pm kick-off).