Three first half goals helped Harriers extend their winning run as they beat Bradford Park Avenue 3-1.

Boss John Eustace had something of a selection headache coming into the game; after a two-goal, match-winning performance from Liam Truslove and strong showings from Ashley Carter and Sam Austin, it took a tough call to drop all three to the bench at the Horsfall Stadium.

They did so to accommodate three of the squad’s biggest players, however – skipper Keith Lowe was back at the heart of the defence, Elton Ngwatala returned in midfield and top scorer Arthur Gnahoua was restored up front.

Gnahoua would make what has become a typical impact early on in the game; assisting the opening goal after just four minutes after his cross was slotted home by in-form striker Andre Brown.

Avenue took some time to get going on the day and just after striker Sinclair had seen a tame header held by Hornby, McQuilkin almost found Harriers’ second only to be denied by a smart stop from Jon Worsnop.

Just past the half-hour and after Boshell had spurred a chance for the hosts at one end, Gnahoua netted his 12th goal of the season as he aimed a fine effort past the dive of Worsnop and into his top corner after being given too much time and space.

It would be three before the break as Waite got in on the act; a decisive and unnerving finish on the angle to beat Worsnop after Croasdale’s pass had set him free inside the area.

Harriers hardly shut up shop inside the opening stages of the second half but it’s fair to say they had to contend with a little more of the game’s dirtier work, getting back and doing their defensive duties well as Avenue looked to reduce the deficit.

Liam Truslove was one of two arrivals from the bench and, on five past the hour, his shot from a corner was blocked away well at the expense of another, from which Lowe saw a header well dealt with.

Home sub John Cofie gave Harriers something to think about and, just after he’d warmed Hornby’s hands with a volley, he nodded the ball over his grasp as a delivery into the box was well recycled.

HARRIERS: Hornby, Williams, Francis-Angol, Lowe, Tunnicliffe, Croasdale, Ngwatala (Truslove 62), McQuilkin, Gnahoua (Austin 69), Waite, Brown (Dieseruvwe 62) Subs not used: Palmer, Carter.

Attendance: 379 Referee: Matthew Dicicco