KIDDERMINSTER keeper John Danby has cited a settled defensive line up as the secret to their recent success ahead of Saturday's survival showdown with Rushden.

Danby insists it is no coincidence that Harriers have gone four games unbeaten since the Wayne Hatswell, Mark Jackson, Johnny Mullins, Simon Weaver/Lee Jenkins combination was introduced.

"We look like we've started to cut out the mistakes that have been costing us for most of the season," he said.

"It's been the same back four for the past few weeks and for the last four games they've been playing well together.

"From my point of view it's more solid and it helps me because I'm more comfortable playing behind them."

Danby admits the club's goals against column of 66 conceded makes for depressing reading and is an embarrassment for all concerned.

"It's disappointing to look down the divisions and see that we've got the worst defensive record in the whole league," he said.

"It reflects badly on me and on the rest of the defence and it is disappointing because I think I've had a decent season.

"But it has been frustrating because I've had a couple of good games and then a dodgy one which hasn't helped."

The 21-year-old has been hampered by injuries all season and just as he shows signs of rediscovering his best form, is now nursing a dislocated finger.

"It's been a strange year injury wise because up until I broke my toe I felt I was playing the best I've played.

"Other than a few aches and pains the toe seems to have healed nicely but I've injured my finger now which I did against Cheltenham.

"I've been resting it in the week, but there's no question of me not playing because of the position we're in, so I'll just strap it up and get on with it.

Danby has echoed the sentiments of his Aggborough colleagues by calling for a big crowd to cheer Harriers on in their six-pointer with Rushden.

"The crowd do influence you, especially as a goalkeeper because you can't escape when they're giving you stick," he said.

"But we do need as many fans as possible getting behind us because it adds to the atmosphere and it does help to lift you up for the game.

"If they get behind us and we can beat Rushden that leaves us just a point behind them and then it really starts to get interesting.

Meanwhile, the Wolverhampton-based stopper has shrugged off speculation linking him to higher-placed clubs, insisting he is more concerned with keeping Kidderminster up.

"I don't really think about other clubs watching me," he admitted.

"There has been speculation before when I've been playing well but if I thought about it too much it would affect my game.

"I've got this year and next year on my contract and I'm just focusing on getting a run in the team and doing my best to keep us up.

"As far as I know I will be here for next year whatever happens because I haven't heard anything to the contrary.

Manchester City were the latest potential suitors to be mentioned after their goalkeeping coach Tim Flowers was spotted at Aggborough, but although Danby is flattered by the attention he insists he is in no rush to leave the club which gave him his chance.

"I think I can play at a higher level and the manager has arranged specialist coaching for me at Coventry which has helped.

"But I wouldn't want to go anywhere where I wasn't playing so this is a good place to continue learning my trade."

SCHEMES aimed at putting the "kid" in Kidderminster Harriers are being run by the club in an attempt to fill up the ground during the crucial run-in.

Aggborough bosses hope to attract more supporters to the remaining five home games to cheer the club towards survival.

They will be offering free admission to their younger fans for the forthcoming clash with Mansfield Town on Easter Monday.

Any supporters under-16 who pay to watch Saturday's crucial home match with Rushden and Diamonds at Aggborough will also receive a voucher to gain free entry to the March 28 game with the Stags.

The voucher can only be used by young fans accompanied by an adult and is for seating in the John Smith's stand.

The offer excludes Junior Supporter's Club members and tickets cannot be upgraded or used in other parts of the ground.

Also as an incentive to children in Wyre Forest, Harriers will be handing out 1,500 free tickets to schools around the area for the April 9 match with Bury.

The game will be sponsored by the Department of Transport as part of their Speed Awareness campaign.