TOM Shaw’s first-half strike ensured embattled Kidderminster Harriers ended a tortuous week on a high as they edged out Bath at Aggborough.

Steve Burr’s side showed true guts to put an awful seven days off the pitch behind them to win and move within one point of the Blue Square Bet Premier play-offs.

However, the hosts had to ride their luck with the woodwork denying the away side twice, but Harriers deserved the win for their sheer tenacity.

With Harriers on the brink of administration after Stratford-based businessman Chris Swan’s aborted attempt to buy the club, the mood around Aggborough was defiant in support of the management, players and staff, who had yet to be paid for January.

Manager Burr made two changes to the side which won 4-0 at Hayes and Yeading, drafting Jack Byrne into a midfield three and starting Callum Gittings in an advanced role.

With the wind blowing hard, the game was a scrappy affair, although there were two fine efforts on goal inside the opening 15 minutes.

Harriers captain Keith Briggs came close with a dipping half-volley which flew a fraction wide of the right post in the sixth minute.

Adam Connolly went even closer in the 18th minute as the Bath midfielder linked up well with Kaid Mohammed and hit the bar with a rising shot.

Shaw almost forced an opening goal moments later, with Bath defender Gethin Jones coming close to stabbing the Harriers man’s shot into Ryan Robinson’s goal. Luckily for the visitors, the ball sneaked wide.

Byrne almost headed Harriers into the lead on the half-hour when he stole in to meet Mike Williams’ smart left-wing cross but Robinson was equal to his effort.

But Harriers did take the lead in the 33rd minute. Shaw raced onto Chris McPhee’s defence-splitting back-heel to fire a fine, rising shot from a tight angle over a despairing Robinson.

Home striker Nick Wright slid a low effort across the face of Bath’s goal after the visitors were carved open by a slick five-man move in the 56th minute.

Harriers were nearly pegged back on the hour mark but the woodwork protected their lead. The impressive Mohammed raced into the box and let fly with a dipping effort which beat keeper Danny Lewis but hit the bar.

Byrne almost made it 2-0 in the 76th minute, rising high to meet Briggs’ punt at the far post but headed just wide.

The hosts survived a frenetic end to hang on for the points, with Marley Watkins firing wide late on.

Harriers: Lewis, Vaughan, Briscoe, Albrighton, Williams, Byrne, Briggs, Shaw, Gittings, McPhee, Wright (Matt 76). Subs not used: Sharpe, Griffiths, Stevens.

Referee: AP Bennett (Devon).

Attendance: 1,500.