KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will be aiming to keep their re-kindled play-off hopes burning during a crucial period.

New manager Gary Whild has made an immediate impact on the Aggborough outfit as Saturday’s goalless draw at Wrexham and Tuesday’s 2-1 home win over Macclesfield saw them close the gap on the Skrill Premier’s top five to just three points.

They entertain fifth-placed Barnet on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) looking for their first win over a team in the play-off spots this season.

Kidderminster then go to relegation-battling Aldershot on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm) before tackling Southport on March 22 at home.

“We’ve got four points out of six and if we can do that in the next two games we’re getting ourselves into a good position,” said Whild.

“And that’s what we need to do because things will keep improving.

“There’s been lots of change and it has been difficult for the lads.

“But you could see them getting back to how they’re capable of performing. If we do that we’ll have a chance.”

Whild has not rested on his laurels since replacing Andy Thorn last week.

He bolstered his back room staff by bringing in former Premier League winner and England keeper Tim Flowers, who had previously had a spell coaching at the club.

Flowers, who was caretaker boss at Northampton most recently, is joined by former Kidderminster skipper Mark Creighton, who helped Kiddy make the FA Trophy Final in 2007. He was forced to retire because of a series of knee injuries and is in the middle of doing his UEFA B coaching badge.

Whild has also drafted in former Harriers hitman Nick Wright on loan from Lincoln City until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, defender Chey Dunkley is set for a minor operation on a persistent knee problem, whileAdrian Cieslewicz limped off injured on Tuesday night.

Striker Freddie Ladapo has been sent on loan to Hayes and Yeading for a month.

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