RUSS Penn praised another early Harriers goal as Shane Byrne’s strike helped see off AFC Telford in a 3-0 win at Aggborough.

The Reds were comfortable winners on their home turf and notched a fourth successive victory for the very first time this term.

It is a triumph that moves Harriers to within just a point of the play-offs, a tantalising prospect for the Aggborough faithful going into the final two games of the term.

With some rivals having more games left to play and with the side still in 11th, an extension to the season still looks an outside bet for Penn’s charges.

With form finally on their side, though, this latest win will be enough to keep things very interesting as Harriers head to Southport next weekend for the term’s penultimate clash.

The home side were dominant throughout against Telford and netted with less than two minutes on the clock, Shane Byrne slotting home from a corner for his second of the campaign.

Hemmings went close twice more in the first period while Leesley himself almost netted from an outrageous free kick attempt.

Harriers netted again soon after the break, quickfire goals seeing Krystian Pearce nod home after Kyle Morrison's header had come back off the bar, and Ashley Hemmings taking his tally for the season to ten with a composed finish.

Jack Bearne, on as a late substitute, forced Telford goalkeeper Joe Young into a late save as the side pushed for a fourth, but it was that early goal that really set the tone, according to Penn after the final whistle.

“I am proud of the performance and proud of the result,” he reflected.

“We controlled it throughout, against a team who I don’t think should be at the bottom of the league, but they are for whatever reason.

“They have very good players so we knew today was going to be a tough task with expectation so high.

“[The early goal] has effectively won us the game so I’m delighted with that.

“We look a threat from every set piece now. It’s a real attribute Joe Leesley has and we have some big boys who want to head the ball.

“I thought our all-round performance was professional.”

Penn takes Harriers to Haig Avenue to meet a Southport side still not mathematically safe from relegation next weekend.

As things stand, the season will close at Aggborough with the 29th April visit of Kettering Town, though plenty will have one eye and big hopes on at least additional game for a little while yet.