HAPLESS Kidderminster Harriers are in need of a slice of luck, according to frustrated boss Jan Molby.
Harriers, plagued by injuries, missed chances and sloppy defensive errors, are still hunting their first win in 2001.
And Tuesday night's 4-0 drubbing at Plymouth Argyle in Division Three did the fragile confidence of Molby's men no good at all.
The Dane is searching for a much-needed clean sheet this Saturday but Harriers' trip to rejuvenated bottom club Carlisle is another serious test of their poor away form.
Molby insisted: "We are going through one of those spells where we deserve a bit more than we are getting.
"We need some luck from somewhere to get ourselves going. We are creating chances and working hard but we need to get the bounce of the ball.
"It has been difficult on our travels, we've had three consecutive defeats in the league. Take nothing away from Plymouth but they didn't deserve four goals."
Dean Bennett is on the injury list with a suspected broken bone in his foot, while Scott Stamps' hamstring is still troubling him.
However, Stewart Hadley, Parfait Medou-Otye (both hamstring) and Ian Bogie (back) were all due to return to training today, while Paul Webb will be available.
Harriers need a win quickly as Molby admitted: "With the run we are having, it will start affecting people very soon, especially as a lot are young players.
"They are more than ready to hold their own in the Third Division and will only gain vital experience for next season by playing these games.
"Our options are limited due to injuries but we will stick with what we believe in.
"We've stopped talking about the play-offs. We need to build and make sure everybody is here next season."
It will be Harriers' fourth game with Carlisle, though their first away, after 1-0 and 2-0 defeats before a 2-1 success in the LDV Vans Trophy.
Molby said: "Carlisle are starting to turn around big time and are making moves away from the bottom spot.
"We've had our problems with them this season and it's a massive game for them to stay in touch with Exeter.
"They should give us more room to play but we have to cope with what's thrown at us and that's been a problem."
Meanwhile, Molby is considering recalling midfielder Andy Ducros who was dropped to sub at Plymouth.
He explained: "We had a look at the pitch there and thought we needed players to dig in because there were not a lot of areas we could play free-flowing football.
"We also had to give Andy a break, he's probably played more consecutive matches than ever in his career.
"He had a very impressive three months where he was our source of creating chances but he's been having a quiet spell and it's down to having played a lot of games. We need to consider he's just back into full-time football."
Harriers visit Shrewsbury Town next Tuesday (7.45pm).
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