Harriers boss Russ Penn couldn't hide his delight after seeing his side go into Saturday's FA Cup tie with West Ham on the back of a 3-0 league win over Leamington.

Penn's charges faltered slightly a few days prior in the goalless draw against Gloucester, but were much closer to their fluid best in midweek.

Goals from Omari Sterling, Nathan Cameron and Jaiden White ensured Harriers kept their grip on third place in the table, as well as narrowing the gap on the two teams above them.

The win also brought to an end a relentless run of league fixtures heading into the clash against the Hammers - the men from Aggborough rounding off the gruelling schedule in style.

"It was a tough night," said Penn, whose team were 1-0 up at the break thanks to Omari Sterling's superb free kick.

"I am delighted because our energy was so much higher than Saturday, and that's what get you the wins sometimes in this league.

"I'm delighted overall and I'm delighted with the last month - this was our seventh game in 21 days today and it is a testament to the group how they've managed that.

"16 points from 21 is not a bad return."

Sterling's 18-yard effort was his latest sensational goal and came as part of a devastating display by the attacker who also supplied the ammunition for his team's other two goals.

It came after the player was substituted at half time during the Gloucester draw, with Penn saying of Tuesday's display: "He was excellent.

"I brought him off at half time on Saturday because he was nowhere near where I knew he can be.

"He hasn't proved me wrong, he's proved me right - he's reacted in the right way but every now he needs that prod up the backside, so I'm delighted for him."

Sterling, having netted, sent in a corner for powerhouse defender Nathan Cameron to make it 2-0 early in the second half in what was his first game for a number of weeks.

Harriers then went close through Sam Austin and Amari Morgan-Smith before, in the final minute of normal time, White bagged his first senior league goal for the club.

Sterling's swerving cross was inviting for the Academy graduate who was on hand to dive in at the far post to turn the ball home, also seeing him win a personal battle with Brakes goalkeeper Jake Weaver who'd previously denied him with two excellent saves.

Harriers now ready themselves to welcome Premier League side West Ham to their Aggborough ground for a sold out Cup tie, with kick-off at 12:30pm.