FOOTBALL: Return of a fine old firm

Turning back the clock is proving a masterstroke for Graham Allner, whose Kidderminster Harriers team sits proudly atop the GM Vauxhall Conference.

Harriers were champions in 1994 - when they were denied a League place after failing to meet ground requirements - but finished mid-table last season.

Allner's answer has been to recreate the lethal strike partnership of Kim Casey and Paul Davies, who scored 117 goals for Harriers in 1985/86. And though both are approaching veteran status now - Davies is 35 a week today - they seem no less deadly: a double for Davies at Southport on Saturday raised his tally to eight so far, equal with Casey. Both have their eyes on the Conference career goals record of 180, with Davies on 169 and Casey 166.

Allner's team can defend a bit, too - Saturday was their sixth consecutive clean sheet.