KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' hopes of reaching the Conference play-offs are over despite victory against Rushden and Diamonds.

Russell Penn was the hero as Harriers notched their 10th Conference away win of the season.

Penn, who starts a three-game ban against Aldershot tomorrow night, fired home four minutes before half-time.

But, despite Saturday's success, it is now mathematically impossible for Mark Yates' FA Trophy finalists to reach the play-offs.

The Aggborough side are now 13 points shy of the top five and only have four games left to play.

Harriers had three good chances during a five-minute first-half spell.

First, the recalled Brian Smikle had an effort saved by the legs of Matt Baker after he had been put through by Iyseden Christie.

Jonny Harkness then had a 30-yard free-kick tipped past the post by Baker and the same player rattled the bar from another set-piece.

Penn gave Harriers the lead with a 15-yard strike after former Rushden player Jon Brady had played him in.

Scott Bevan saved from Lee Tomlin after the break before both sides hit the woodwork in a frantic three-minute spell.

Harriers: Bevan; Sedgemore, Creighton, Whitehead, Harkness; Smikle, Penn, Hurren, Brady (Blackwood 79); Christie (Reynolds 86), Constable (Hay 77). Subs not used: Taylor, Russell.

Attendance: 1,925.