KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Jan Molby was hoping to beat today's Nationwide Conference transfer deadline by snapping up striker Neil Midgley on loan from First Division Ipswich Town.

Molby watched Midgley notch two goals in Ipswich Reserves' 7-0 home Avon Insurance Combination victory over Wycombe Wanderers yesterday.

The 21-year-old is due give his decision later today.

The Kidderminster boss said: "I spoke to him before training today and he will be getting in touch with me later. Ipswich's manager George Burley has told him it would be a good idea for him to play some first team matches for us, but he's not made his decision yet."

Cambridge-born Midgley went on loan to Luton Town earlier in the season and was a regular scorer for them.

Luton wanted to extend his loan period but he was called back to Ipswich during an injury crisis.

Midgley was top scorer for Ipswich Reserves last season but did not make his first team debut until December 18 when he was drafted on as a substitute in a home game against West Bromwich Albion and scored.

After another couple of appearances as substitute he earned a place in Ipswich's starting line-up for the first time against Port Vale on January 3.

Midgley's possible loan to table-topping Kidderminster follows unsuccessful moves to attract another couple of players to Aggborough to help in their promotion push.

Barry Horne looked likely to sign but finally opted to join Sheffield Wednesday from Huddersfield Town, while former Fulham centre-half Mark Blake was unable to agree personal terms.

The 32-year-old is looking to return to English football after a spell playing in France.

Molby, meanwhile, has decided not to continue the loan of striker Rich-ard Burgess from Stoke. During his month-long spell with Kidderminster he failed to make the starting line-up.

There was a busy programme in the Optimum Interiors Central Conference last night with Hereford and Worcester City both gaining victories with Kidderminster suffering defeat.

Worcester triumphed 2-0 over Gloucester at St George's Lane, while Hereford won 4-0 at home to Tamworth. Kidderminster went down 6-1 at Nuneaton.