JAN Molby has admitted the Division Three play-off dream will be all but over if Kidderminster Harriers fail to win at York City on Saturday.

But Harriers should have a major boost as they go for a vital first away victory since the early January success at Torquay.

Key midfielders Dean Bennett and Richie Appleby are both in line to return from injury and play some part.

Molby is also hoping left-back Scott Stamps will join record signing Andy Ducros in returning to the squad.

The Harriers boss pinpoints a four-team battle between Harriers, Hull, Shrewsbury and Rushden for the final play-off spot.

But 11th-placed Harriers could be eight points away from the top seven if they lose on Saturday and Shrewsbury win at Rushden.

Molby said: "It's a big weekend and we can live with any result from Rushden apart from a Shrewsbury win. York is a must-win game.

"Rushden, ourselves and Hull have only won four away games and Shrewsbury five.

"That's why we're the teams fighting to get in the last play-off place rather than higher."

However, York are desperate for points to get away from bottom club Halifax and have been boosted by new owner John Batchelor's takeover.

Harriers must still search for a backer of their own to replace Lionel Newton who will help keep Harriers afloat at least until August.

Colin Youngjohns is the new chairman with Barry Norgrove his deputy and they are well aware boss Jan Molby will not tolerate any cuts to the playing budget.

Molby declared: "The budget is to remain what it is now and I'm pretty clear on that.

"In an ideal world it would be slightly bigger but I know that's no longer possible.

"It's not only important for my ambitions but also from the club's point of view.

"To drop it would put ourselves in real danger of returning to the Conference. Our budget's already lower than Halifax's, similar to Macclesfield's but everyone else's is higher.

"We have improved greatly as a team from last season and with the same budget we will improve again. That will probably get us to the minimum of the play-offs.

"The current budget allows me to bring in one or two more experienced players over the summer."

The board have already sanctioned a move for a loan keeper if Stuart Brock is suspended for two games over the Easter weekend.

He was controversially red carded for handball in Saturday's 1-0 loss at Luton but Harriers hope referee Grant Hegley may change his mind after watching the video.

Meanwhile, lifelong fan Youngjohns is determined to safeguard their Football League status with both short and long-term strategies being reassessed.

Whatever the result at York, Harriers have a massive clash at promotion-chasing rivals Cheltenham on Tuesday (7.45pm).