Martin Ling praised his sides professionalism after this afternoon's 2-0 win over Kidderminster.

Headed goals from Chris Holroyd and Wayne Hatswell gave United a two goal cushion going into the second half, and although the visitors had some sustained spells of pressure they were unable to get back into the game.

"It was a professional display," said Ling afterwards.

"We scored two good goals, and I thought we asked them a lot of questions and saw the game out quite comfortably in the end. They had a couple of chances, and they were always going to have the odd moment, but on the whole I thought it was a good display and a consistent display."

One player who has come in for some criticism recently is midfielder Jai Reason, but he put in an eye catching performance, providing the assist for Holroyd's goal with a precise cross. Ling was quick to praise the former Ipswich man.

"I thought Jai was our best player, as he was in our last game," he said. "I didn't think he was playing that badly before, although I wasn't here last year so I dont know the levels he's been at previously.

"But I know what he's all about as a player, and sometimes it's down to confidence. We've talked about third man running, and it was a great run and cross which let Chrissy [Holroyd] do what he does best and head the ball in from a couple of yards.

"I thought Robbie [Willmott's] delivery was excellent throughout, and he asked their defence a lot of questions too."

Kidderminster had a spell of possession at the start of the second period, forcing Danny Potter into a couple of good saves, and Ling said: "Although, if I'm being picky, I'd like us to control the game for the full 90 minutes, they were always going to have a little spell, but I thought we made it difficult for them and got amongst it well.

"We've talked a lot about the play-offs, and I think we're five points off them now. We don't seem to have too many problems coping with the teams above us, it's the ones down at the bottom that we struggle against, but if we put in professional displays like that on a consistent basis we'll be alright," he said.

Looking ahead to next Saturday's FA Cup tie against Ilkeston, Ling said; "It'll be another tough game. I think they've won 4-1 today and it'll be another cup final which we'll have to approach properly. We'll have to be at our best again if we want to win the match," he concluded.

Matthew Gooding