HARD-up Kidderminster Harriers are today counting the cost of having their third Nationwide League Division Three match of the season washed out by rain.

Yesterday's scheduled clash at Exeter City was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Earlier this season Harriers had a wasted trip to Torquay before the match was washed out while a similar fate befell their home encounter with Oxford United.

The postponements have had a knock-out effect for Kidderminster who are now without a match until Saturday, January 11, when they take on Rushden & Diamonds at Aggborough.

They were originally due to have entertained Bournemouth this Saturday but the game had to be called off because The Cherries now have a home FA Cup third round date with Crewe.

Blank match days put an added strain on Harriers' already stretched finances while they are also falling behind in their fixtures.

Aggborough chairman Colin Youngjohns underlines the club's financial difficulties by saying: "We are no longer in a position to give long-term expensive contracts to players because, even though the market place is depressed and more advantageous to the 'buyer' than perhaps it has ever been, we still cannot allow Kidderminster Harriers to slither down the path of financial imprudence."

He added that the club would 'operate according to the income we receive'.

Youngjohns went on: "Like most clubs we are not free from debt and as a result we are still 'in the woods' so to speak but rest assured we are doing all in our power to secure new support and sponsorship."

Youngjohns believes Kidderminster are in a similar situation they found themselves when they joined the Conference in 1983.

He said: "We leapt all the hurdles placed in our path and became a leading club in that league. I see now reason why we can't do it again."

The Dr Martens Western Division derby between Redditch United and Bromsgrove Rovers was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, while matches involving Pershore Town, Fernhill County Sports and Pegasus Juniors were also postponed.