KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' manager Ian Britton is urging his players to realise that there's no place like home.

So far this season Harriers have struggled to hit the high notes at Aggborough and have won more Nationwide League Division Three matches on their travels.

Last Saturday they went down 2-0 at home to high-riding Rushden & Diamonds to put a dent in their play-off hopes and leave them in mid-table.

The setback has increased the pressure on Harriers to get maximum points from Saturday's match at Darlington, particularly as their following two league games are at Aggborough.

Britton said: "Our away form has been very good, but sooner or later that's not always going to be the case. I don't care what anybody says, if you are going to do anything or be successful you have got to pick up points at home."

With such a crucial spate of games coming up it will be a case of all hands to the pump for Harriers' small squad.

Utility player Adie Smith's appearance to the substitutes' bench on Saturday after a two-month lay-off following ankle surgery was an encouraging sign while defender Scott Stamps is stepping up his battle to recover from a groin operation.

He started running at the start of last week and has suffered no adverse reaction. He said: "The stiffness I've felt has been all as I haven't really been able to do much since the op. I think it's going to be a bit like pre-season for me anyway as I've managed to put on nearly a stone since the injury and it'll take time to get back match fit.

"I've got a lot of running to do! I've always had a problem with my weight when I've not been training so I know what to do to get fit."

With their limited squad a vital cog in the wheel for Harriers during their busy forthcoming schedule will be Worcester-based campaigner John Hodge, who joined the club on non-contract terms last week. He was on the subs bench on Saturday and can't wait to get his first taste of action.

The 33-year-old said: "The squad is very small but it's a good one and they all work hard for each other. There are one or two experienced lads, but most of them are young and there are no 'Big Time Charlies' there."