HARRIERS picked up three big points in their quest to keep alive their play-off hopes with a 3-0 success over Bradford (Park Avenue).

Joe Ironside netted two more goals to take his tally to the season, scoring in each half with well-placed headers.

In between there was a fine headed effort for Ashley Chambers as Mark Yates' men at least ensured they can retain an interest in the play-off chase for a little while longer.

Harriers created the better of the day's early chances; Ironside, after five minutes, seeing a shot deflected wide and Chambers, soon after, having two sights of goal with one effort blocked and another dropping wide.

Knight fired over with Bradford's first effort, a 12th minute shot over the bar, before Ironside opened the scoring by reacting quickest to a parry as goalkeeper Andrew blocked a Chambers volley at the far post, nodding home his 14th of the term.

Harriers needed Flowers' timely intervention as Branson tried to meet a free kick on 28 minutes - Crichlow-Noble heading wide for Bradford with a big chance two minutes later.

Hall's superb stop kept out Hurt on 36 minutes as the visitors threatened to level, but they then needed the woodwork to thwart Ironside who looked for his second with a looping header just after.

Harriers had their second goal before the break and it was another good nod - fantastic work and a fine cross from Austin rewarded by Chambers who met it with a great leap to double the score.

East and Branson had early chances for Bradford after the restart - the latter particularly close, needing Butterfield to block it on the line.

McAlinden and Ironside kept Andrew's goal ticking over for Harriers, before a block on the hour from Austin prevented Avenue making it 2-1, Clee also firing just wide.

Nine minutes later, good reactions from Hall stopped Johnson netting as Bradford worked a short free-kick, Harriers thumping the woodwork seconds later as Williams kept a to-and-fro game going with a well-taken shot.

The game was finally put to bed with a dozen minutes left to play - the sublime McAlinden getting another delivery right on the money, a deep ball to the far post that a rising Ironside met with a great header that crashed into the net.

Crichlow-Noble had the game's last chance with a header wide for Bradford, but by that time Harriers had already done their damage with a clinical display.

FRASER Horsfall admits Harriers are targeting wins from each of their remaining National League North games as they prepare to welcome Bradford (Park Avenue) to Aggborough.

Avenue come to town looking to cement their own place in the top seven.

Harriers, meanwhile, occupy eighth place and sit just once spot outside the pack.

The team are points behind and games ahead, however, meaning their destiny is far from being in their own hands.

That’s a truth defender Horsfall wasn’t able to escape as he looked ahead to the game, but the former Huddersfield youngster showed no signs of relenting when it came to the ambition of cracking into the final shake-down.

Speaking on our official YouTube channel, he explained: “I don’t think it’s in our hands but, us as a team, we can just do what we can now and, hopefully, win every single game that we’ve got left of the season and see where that takes us.

“From when we’ve played them last year and this year, they’re always tough games against Bradford Park Avenue.

“We’re expecting another tough game on Saturday, but it’s must-win for us.

“We have to take it game by game and don’t look at the play-offs or at the next game, and hopefully get a win.”

Harriers go into the game with Nick Clayton-Phillips a continued absentee.

“We’re expecting another tough game on Saturday, but it’s must-win for us...." Fraser Horsfall

The youngster, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, suffered an injury at Blyth Spartans back in February, and has been receiving treatment back with his parent club.

While he’s over the worst of his recovery, it remains unknown whether he’ll win the race to feature again before he season comes to an end.

Billy Daniels remains a doubt after picking up a knock in the build-up to the Brackley game, while Declan Weeks (back) is also continuing to receive treatment.

It is hoped that Sam Austin will be back fit enough to be in contention feature against Avenue, who sit fifth in the table and a comfortable nine points inside the play-offs.
The competition within the top seven remains rampant, and Harriers are far from alone in not giving up on their hopes of finishing with an extension to the season.

That’s no surprise to Horsfall, who is keenly aware of what the ‘North’ continues to offer.

“I’ve said many times that every team in this league is a threat, no matter who you’re playing,” he went on to add.

“Nobody has sailed away with it so far and you look at the table – there are some good teams in there, but there are some good teams below us as well which maybe shouldn’t be where they are.

“Bu It’s a tough league and you never know what to expect.”

Kick-off at Aggborough on Saturday is at 3:00pm.

WATCH: Fraser Horsfall’s pre-match interview, courtesy of our YouTube channel, by clicking the video tab above.

BUY: Match tickets online for the Main Stand and print your tickets at home.

READ: Your match day programme is packed full of content, covering the game, recent events and the 25th anniversary of the Football in the Community Trust.

ARRIVE: A little earlier at Aggborough on Saturday and take advantage of some special activities in the main car park, including inflatable dart boards, bouncy castles and more.