IMPROVING Kidderminster Harriers could be close to dishing out a hiding in Division Three, hopes boss Jan Molby.
The Dane has been delighted with the transformation on their travels as Tuesday's tricky 1-0 LDV Vans Trophy win at Doncaster made it three games unbeaten.
Harriers, who head to bottom club Carlisle on Saturday, have built a solid base with three clean sheets in a row and Molby now believes the attack is starting to fire.
They created but missed some good chances at both Macclesfield and Doncaster with on-loan Colin Larkin's pace causing trouble away from Aggborough.
However, Harriers must today check on the fitness of Larkin - who has extended his temporary spell for another month - after the striker banged his knee while scoring on Tuesday.
Molby admitted: "You always hope the next match could be the big win. But we're well aware Saturday is tough as Carlisle are already fighting for their lives. However, if we get beaten, we will be in the same boat.
"We've managed to finally get some confidence away from home with our run of two wins and a draw. There has got to be a real belief that we can win.
"The clean sheets always give you a chance and we've had seven so far in 15 games.
"What we have to do is create chances and I feel Larkin has a bigger impact for us away from home."
Molby switched to a 4-3-3 formation on Tuesday which changed the game - and that attack of Larkin, Drewe Broughton and Ian Foster has given him food for thought.
He said: "If they are clever enough, that system has a chance and Foster and Larkin are clever enough. They do not mind coming into wide positions.
"Last season when we played the formation, the forwards probably got in each other's way a little bit. But the key here is their pace."
Veteran keeper Eric Nixon, the 39-year-old Tranmere coach signed on a non-contract basis, is set to play in the final match of Stuart Brock's three-game suspension.
And he has impressed his old friend Molby who declared: "I cannot ask any more from him.
"He's a real calming influence on the back-line and when he comes for the ball, he collects it. I've been delighted with his impact."
Defenders Adie Smith, who has been resting a groin problem, and Scott Stamps (neck) are expected to return for the Carlisle match.
Skipper Mark Blake will be back after being treated for a head and knee injury suffered in a car crash.
Of Carlisle, Molby said: "They have found it tough over the last three years and are again around the bottom.
"But they had an excellent home win over Bristol Rovers and spent £100,000 on striker Ritchie Foran who's quick and lively.
"Carlisle will give us problems but we enjoy playing that type of forward, rather than the big, strong front-man. Smith and (Craig) Hinton can deal better with the pace and movement."
Harriers play again on Tuesday when York City visit Aggborough (7.45pm).
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