SAM Shilton believed Kidderminster Harriers had earned their much-needed victory at Rochdale, especially after improved displays in the last three games.
The wideman pounced seven minutes from time to give Harriers a crucial first victory at Spotland.
Shilton is also staking his own claim for a new contract next season as he becomes a free agent in the summer along with a host of Harriers players.
The 24-year-old son of England goalkeeping legend Peter said: "I think we deserved the win overall. We've played well in the last couple of games and haven't got the points we deserved.
"We started off well and had a few good chances early on. Rochdale came back into it and caused us some problems from set-pieces with the height they've got.
"Then we got back on our game again and I can't remember Stuart Brock having a save to make in the second half.
"We knew Paul Simpson's delivery from set-pieces would pose a few problems but I thought Drewe Broughton did well in handling Gareth Griffiths coming forward.
"The gaffer said be brave on the ball and get it down. I think we did that, even though the pitch was a bit bobbly.
"You need a bit of luck sometimes. For the goal, the ball just dropped for me, I tried to hit the target and it bobbled a bit before going in. But on chances created we thoroughly deserved to win."
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