CREATIVE midfielder Richie Appleby has made a big impression at Kidderminster Harriers so far with three goals and a string of assists.

Signed on a free transfer from Swansea City, he set up Bo Henriksen's goal in a disappointing return to his former club on Tuesday night.

But his fluke cross-shot equaliser on Saturday at home to Carlisle United could prove to be one of the most important goals for Harriers this season, if not the best.

Appleby, 26, was not about to claim all the credit for the goal, scored past his former Newcastle United team-mate Peter Keen.

He insisted: "It was bad keeping and certainly wasn't planned. I was an apprentice with Peter at Newcastle so maybe he threw it in for me!"

Harriers were some way off the pace against Carlisle and again in the second period at Swansea after missing many first-half chances.

And Appleby, speaking after the Carlisle game, admitted: "We didn't really get up with the pace, we were a bit sluggish.

"We had the chances to win it and as the home team you expect that but we didn't take them. It was pretty disappointing all-round.

"The lack of games due to the weather doesn't help us but that's football. We now have two games a week until the end of season. I prefer that but my body doesn't like it so much!"

Appleby admits Harriers have gone off the boil somewhat after some tremendous form around the Christmas and New Year period.

He said: "We're not quite firing on all cylinders. We are still doing well in games but not performing as the gaffer expects and he has high standards.

"We started with a goal against the run of play against Carlisle. But we were just too deep in midfield. We needed to step the tempo up but the quick passes weren't there and they were going astray.

"But we got a point against a team that has surprised a few of the big boys of late. We are not going to play like we did at Christmas all the time."

But Appleby is glad for the chance at Harriers, stressing: "I'm thankful to Jan, Gary Barnett and the directors of Kidderminster for getting me out of a difficult situation at Swansea.

"I'd like to dictate the game for 90 minutes if I could but no player can. When my fitness comes, I just hope my ability doesn't desert me!"