MANAGER Russ Penn was happy enough with his side’s showing despite Harriers being held to a goalless draw by Kettering at Aggborough on Easter Monday.

The Poppies put in a superb defensive performance on the road to thwart Penn’s charges and keep alive their hopes for a play-off push.

The 0-0 shut-out actually left Kettering in seventh whilst Harriers remain locked in fourth – finishing in those spots in a few weeks’ time at the season’s end would see them meet again in the first stage of the play-off lottery.

There wasn’t too much to take from the afternoon itself, save for Kettering’s determination not to concede. For Harriers’ part, their persistence in pushing for a breakthrough was also evident.

Speaking after the encounter, Penn admitted: “I think that’s the only part of the day I was disappointed with, the result.

“I thought we controlled the game, and I was really pleased with our performance. I thought we created chances [and] our goalkeeper hasn’t had a save to make.

“They’re a good team, they’re always threatening, and I thought we controlled them superbly. On another day, I think we probably get the win.”

Harriers did indeed dominate possession throughout the afternoon, going close in the first half through Ashley Hemmings’ header and an Omari Sterling effort that flew off target.

A similarly one-sided second period saw the Reds asking plenty of questions of Kettering’s defence, with goalkeeper Jackson Smith in good form.

The on-loan Wolves stopper showed great composure to deny substitute Matt Stenson, who had Harriers’ best chance with a 69th minute shot.

Kettering’s management and fans celebrated at the final whistle, while Penn and co are left to ponder a final four games of the season.

Even with the play-offs now secured, a specific final placing within them – and a potential home advantage -is not.

Added to that, Harriers also face two of National League North’s bottom three sides in the coming weeks.

“They’re the hardest games,” Penn added. “So there’s everything to play for.

“There’s everything to play for in all the games – whether we’re fighting for third or trying to keep fourth, we want to finish as high as we can.

“We have four tough league games now and we have to tick them off, one by one.”

The first of those tests is away at Blyth Spartans this Saturday (3pm).