AS the nights draw in and autumn fades to winter, it’s inevitable Kidderminster Harriers' fans start contemplating how their team will pull off the great escape in the Vanarama National League.

Harriers head into their December fixtures with signs of hope but frustratingly no closer to escaping the bottom four.

After months of toil, the Reds have reached a stage where they look competitive and capable of picking up points on a regular basis. 

After the defeat to Grimsby, a game where they more than matched a very strong Mariners side, Kiddy are bottom of the table and eight points from safety.

Under the guidance of head coach Dave Hockaday there has been an improvement but two questions springs to mind: 1) Can they pick up enough points to get out of trouble? 2) Have they left it too late?

In recent years, 50 points have been enough to keep a side out of the drop zone but with just 14 points in the bag after 22 games, that would require a Herculean effort by the Reds.

The bottom four are separated by just four points, it’s likely that the bar for survival will be lower than normal. Even with a reduced target, it will be difficult but not impossible to get out of trouble.

Time is of the essence; tomorrow’s home clash against Gateshead is certainly not a case of all or nothing but with very tough games against Eastleigh, Forest and Cheltenham (twice) over the next few weeks, you get a sense that three points would be vital.

With so many tough matches in succession, it is crucial that Harriers stay in touch with their relegation battle rivals.

All is not lost with 24 games left and there are a host of winnable games remaining, particularly at Aggborough where they welcome Guiseley, Chester, Bromley, Halifax, Altrincham and Barrow.

The back-to-back wins over Woking and Aldershot at home suggest Kiddy have their mojo back in Wyre Forest.

Apart from Eastleigh, Cheltenham and Lincoln, the Reds have already faced the best sides at home.

Even away from Worcestershire, there are places Harriers could pick up vital points.

Games at Aldershot, Boreham Wood, Torquay, Welling and Southport will have a huge say on whether Harriers’ faithful fans will be dancing the survival samba at the end of April or contemplating life in the Vanarama North.

If they manage to pull off a remarkable escape, I for one will be busting Brazillian moves down Hoo Road.