JACK Byrne’s fifth goal of the season strike gave Harriers all three points at Aldershot to move back into the play-off spots.

A third straight league win away from home lifts Gary Whild’s men into fifth as they recorded their first ever win over the Shots.

Whild made three changes as debutants Danny Wright and Aaron Wildig replaced Jake Green and Kyle Storer, while Jaz Singh came in for Danny Lewis in goal.

After carving out various opportunities, Byrne struck in the 74th minute, letting loose a curling strike into the top corner.

Substitute Akwasi Asante had nearly given Harriers the lead moments earlier but Marvin Johnson’s pass unfortunately got stuck under his feet before he could tap home from close range.

Wright almost bagged a debut goal on two occasions as a first-half effort rolled narrowly wide before Aldershot keeper Phil Smith denied him with a fantastic save on the hour mark.

Jamie Grimes came to Singh’s rescue minutes into the second half as the defender halted an Aldershot counter-attack with the ‘keeper caught off his line.

Harriers had further efforts through Johnson and Aman Verma while the Shots threatened early on through Danny East and Joe Oastler before Jordan Roberts forced Singh into a strong stop late on.

Manager Gary Whild was full of praise for both Grimes and Wright, who he named as his “two men of the match.”

“I thought Jamie was outstanding tonight,” he said.

“He’s done well all season and has been consistent alongside different defensive partners.

“Danny Wright was looking to be a threat all night, and he’s got that little bit of experience which means that even if he does miss, he’s going to keep throwing his hat in the ring.

“That takes a bit of pressure off some of the younger lads.”

On the absence of Kyle Storer, Whild added: “Kyle has always done fantastically since he’s been here but we needed to change things around a little bit.”

He is now looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Chester against former boss Steve Burr.

“I’m still good friends with Steve and had some great times here but we’ll be doing our best, as I’m sure he will be, to win the game,” he said.

“We’ve had a good run away from home so we’re positive and we go there full of confidence.”

Harriers: Singh, Hodgkiss (c), Byrne, Johnson, Wright, Grimes, Verma, Reffell (Asante, 68), Tunnicliffe, Wildig (Gittings, 78), Nicholson.

Subs not used: Lewis, Green, Spencer Aldershot: Smith, Oastler, Wilson (c), Barker, Williams (McCollin, 81), Gibbs, Roberts, East, Jarvis (Scott, 68), Saunders, Stevenson Subs not used: Hatton, Thomas, Forbes Attendance: 1,035 (59)