GERALDO Bajrami’s first career goal helped Harriers to a routine 3-0 win over struggling Guiseley at Aggborough.

Bajrami struck in the first half to put the Reds 2-0 up after Ashley Hemmings had earlier fired them in front.

The wide man then bagged his second and team’s third from the penalty spot in the second half to seal the victory, and a success that ultimately came without too much cause for concern.

Fylde’s draw against Kettering mathematically keeps the door open for a third-place finish for Harriers, but a nailed-down fourth looks more realistic for Russ Penn’s men who again kept a clean sheet on their home patch.

That was a shut-out this time achieved not by Luke Simpson but by Tom Palmer, the Harriers Academy graduate making his first start of the season, having ended a memorable loan spell with Rushall earlier this week.

He featured in more than 50 games there as The Pics made the play-offs, that experience more than evident as he put in an assured performance without really coming under sustained pressure.

In fact, it was the second half before he really had a save to make, with Harriers in control almost from the off. Hemmings struck in the seventh minute to turn home a Caleb Richards cross and open the scoring.

Eight minutes before the restart, Bajrami’s moment arrived. A sharp corner routine straight off the training ground saw Guiseley switch off as the ball was pulled back from a tight angle into the path of the former Birmingham City youngster, who took his time before guiding an effort into the back of the net.

“We set a lot up and do a lot of work on set pieces,” commented Penn of the routine and the defender’s finish.

“We actually mentioned in the week about Geraldo not scoring yet this season, so it was great for him to get off the mark.

“A clean sheet and three goals, the fans can go home relatively happy and we’ll move on to Monday.”

Aggborough was indeed happy after the third goal, Hemmings dispatching his spot kick just before the hour, complete with trademark run-up.

Palmer made his only serious save of the day eight minutes later when Johnston shot low, before Sterling’s pace took him towards goal and an effort that was also well dealt with by the Guiseley stopper.

Tempers did flare late on after a crude challenge on Keziah Martin brought a flash of yellow cards, the final whistle deepening Guiseley’s woes while Harriers celebrated.