RUSS Penn called Harriers’ 1-0 win over Kettering Town the team’s biggest victory of the season as they kept pace with the National League North promotion chasers.

Amari Morgan-Smith’s ninth goal of the campaign was enough to seal three points in challenging circumstances for the men from Aggborough.

The win keeps the side fourth in the table and in touch with the likes of Brackley and Gateshead at the top.

That evidently delighted Penn, who said it was the best of the bunch for his outfit so far – not least because it was achieved without key players.

"This pitch is not conducive to play our style of football - I don't think it is conducive to play any style of football," he said.

"We've had to come here, be men, be dominant and be physical, especially with the team we've played today due to nursing injuries, illness and just fatigue.

"I am absolutely delighted with the group at the moment, and that is the biggest win of the season for me."

The only goal of the game came on 14 minutes and was arguably against the run of play after a bright start from the hosts. Ashley Hemmings had shot in the area and been denied by a good save, only for the marksman to slot home the loose ball to the delight of the away fans.

That was, in truth, one of few serious Harriers chances of the night, but it proved to be enough as the visiting back-line stood firm.

Harriers lost Keziah Martin before the break to injury and Kettering saw goalkeeper Davies leave on a stretcher to be replaced in goal by defender Connor Johnson.

Any expected onslaught on Johnson’s goal failed to materialise and Kettering had the ball in the Harriers net only late on but the goal was disallowed for a foul, before a 94th minute save from Simpson thwarted them once more at the death.