HARRIERS got back to winning ways with one of their best defensive performances of the season earning a 1-0 win at AFC Telford United.

The Reds took an early lead thanks to a fantastic strike from Nick Clayton-Phillips on his first Harriers start.

The visitors lost Brandon Hall to an early injury but defended incredibly throughout the afternoon, with Ashley Chambers and Joe Ironside having other opportunities to extend the score.

With a huge number of players now on the injury list, it was a stellar showing on the afternoon as the team stuck to their guns and dug out three big points.

Report follows...

NEW arrival Liam McAlinden is keen to take his chance at Harriers straight away when the side travel to AFC Telford United on Saturday.

The attacker made a short term switch to Aggborough ahead of the fixture, and arrives in Worcestershire from Cheltenham Town.

On the move, McAlinden is excited to get back into the the thick of the match action.

“It came about earlier in the week - I spoke to a few people at Cheltenham and then I spoke to Colin, and when I spoke to them I was really excited to come down and get playing football,” said McAlinden.

“I’ve had a frustrating season at Cheltenham - I’ve not really got the minutes that I would have wanted.

“I’ve always wanted to play games and that’s all I’ve done for all of my career.

“I’m fit and available, I’ve had a few games at Brackley over the last couple of weeks.

“If I’m chosen, I’ll be ready to take the chance.

“When you come in, all eyes are on you really, and you’re expected to do well, especially when you’re stepping down from the Football League - people expect a certain level of performance from you”.

A product of the Wolverhampton Wanderers youth setup, McAlinden knew plenty about Harriers before commencing his loan spell.

"...hopefully with a bit of confidence and bit more belief, we will get back to those winning ways." Liam McAlinden

With 91 Football League appearances to his name as a 25 year old, he is hoping to use his experience at higher levels to his advantage.

“Kidderminster is quite a local club to me so I know a fair bit about them,” admitted McAlinden.

“I kept my eye out at the start of the season and the boys were flying, so hopefully with a bit of confidence and bit more belief, we will get back to those winning ways.

“I turned 25 earlier in the year so playing games is what I need at this stage of my career, but even at 25 I’ve still got relatively big amount of experience - I’ve played in the Championship, League 1 and League 2”.

Harriers are still without a number of players ahead of the weekend.

Kane Richards starts a three-match ban on Saturday, while Ryan Johnson sits out the final of his three matches.

On the injury, Ed Williams is in the process of shaking off a knock picked up on Boxing Day with progress gradual but slow. Billy Daniels, who picked up an injury in the same game, also remains a doubt.

Similarly, Jimmy O’Connor is likely to remain on the sidelines where his playing duties are concerned.

Despite such a frustrating injury backlog, the likes of Williams and Daniels are hoping to be fit shortly - we'll be looking to bring fans an update feature on the process of their recovery early next week.

Kick-off at AFC Telford on Saturday is at 3:00pm

WATCH: Liam McAlinden's full pre-match video interview, courtesy of our YouTube channel, by clicking the video tab above.