Harriers 2 Barnet 1

THE year 2001 has already been a long, hard slog for Kidderminster Harriers and we are only into early February.

But their Division Three campaign and team confidence were given a vital jolt with Saturday's 2-1 win over former non-league rivals Barnet.

Their first victory in nine games arrived courtesy of a determined second-half fight-back with goals from Neil MacKenzie and on-loan Drewe Broughton.

Harriers' performance was not exactly pretty - in fact three good goals did not mirror the game in general - but they displayed the kind of grit that was needed so badly.

Barnet, with no league away wins under new player-boss Tony Cottee, were always going to be Jan Molby's best hope in recent times of a long-awaited three points.

But with both teams' confidence levels faltering, it was always going to be a strong test of character to see who could come out on top.

And Harriers certainly deserved their victory although ex-West Ham, Everton and Leicester striker Cottee was dismayed to lose a 1-0 half-time lead.

He had shown all his experience to fire the visitors ahead on 14 minutes. It was another case of "Here we go again" for Harriers who have conceded a string of early goals of late.

Cottee's finish was not down to any terrible defensive error though as he took Sam Stockley's low cross and turned sharply before firing across the recalled Tim Clarke and just inside the post from 10 yards.

It arrived a minute after an unmarked John Durnin flicked Andy Ducros' cross wide with the goal gaping.

Harriers' keeper Clarke could be happy with his return although he was almost left red-faced on 37 minutes.

After slicing Craig Hinton's back-pass into the danger area, he was grateful to comfortably catch Mark Gower's weak headed effort.

It was the luck Harriers needed as they ended the first half on top with Broughton and Durnin giving Barnet's defence little time to rest.

And a foul on Durnin three minutes into the second period resulted in keeper Lee Harrison's first major worry as he did well to clutch MacKenzie's deflected 25-yard free-kick.

The major warning for the Hertfordshire club went unnoticed as they allowed MacKenzie another crack from distance which Harrison again held.

But on 55 minutes Harriers' man of the moment took possession around 30 yards from goal and let fly with a rasping drive which beat the startled keeper all the way.

There was only going to be one winner from then on as confidence was clearly boosted in the Harriers camp but could they capitalise?

It seemed not on 71 minutes when Dean Bennett's fine right-wing run and cross was met by Broughton in the six-yard box only for his reflex effort to fly straight at Harrison.

But target-man Broughton, impressive since joining on loan from Peterborough United, was not to be denied.

Four minutes later, Durnin broke down the right and chipped a perfect cross for the big forward to head home from close range.

The inspired Durnin then released Bennett only for Harrison's outstretched leg to come to Barnet's rescue.

Harriers have some difficult games ahead on paper - promotion hopefuls Leyton Orient, Southend United and Cardiff City this month -- and Molby knows they must improve further.

An unbeaten run is what is required. Although perhaps not enough for the play-offs, it would certainly give cause for optimism next season.