Harriers 1
Burton 0

SOLID Harriers made it four pre-seasons wins in a row as they kept a strong Brewers side a bay on Saturday.

While all eyes are on Harriers' attacking options, manager Steve Burr has marshalled a firm looking defensive line.

And it was this new confidence at the back that thwarted their Leaguen Two opponents, who edged the game in terms of possession and play but not goals.

Infact, the hosts were able to withstand Burton's pressure comfortably after taking the lead through Tom Shaw's penalty.

Harriers boss Burr selected a strong line-up with only trialist Callum Gittings starting.

With Mark Albrighton not in the squad, Tom Sharpe and Michael Briscoe played in central defence, with Shaw on the right and Mike Williams the left.

The Brewers fielded a side packed with former Harriers trio Russ Penn, Andy Corbett and John McGrath, as well as new signings Adam Legzdins, Nathan Stanton, Adam Bolster and former West Bromwich Albion favourite Darren 'Big Dave' Moore.

The away side started the brighter, with Aaron Webster heading wide from Penn's right wing cross in the opening minute.

Harriers striker Chris McPhee then saw an effort saved by keeper Legzdins moments later.

Penn looked eager to score against his old club and flashed a shot wide but Harriers took the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute.

Burton right-back Paul Boertien handled Hankin's cross in the area and Shaw slipped the resulting spot-kick to the left of a diving keeper.

But the away side hit back, with Bolder steering a low effort just off target and Danny Lewis holding onto a tricky Webster header.

Briscoe was certainly did not afraid to go in where it hurts and twice he put his body on the line to deny the away side.

The hosts were carved open by Penn and John McGrath's interplay but Briscoe's well-timed last-ditch tackle put off Boertien as he went to shoot in the box.

Moments later her blocked McGrath's firm 20-yard effort and needed treatement. Although Harriers' use of the Casualty theme tune when he was down may not have amused him.

Lewis was the busier keeper late in the half, holding a rising effort from Harrad and then smothering Greg Pearson's effort at the base of his right-hand post.

Burton substitute Jacques Maghoma should have levelled the scores two minutes into the second half, but from 10-yards out he shot wide.

Wright made his debut for Harriers in the 58th minute, when he replaced John Finnigan.

McPhee, now playing in central midfield, flashed 25-yard effort well over the bar in the 63rd minute.

Harriers were holding their own but a flurry of changes for both sides after the hour mark disrupted the proceedings.

Keeper Lewis kept Harriers' lead intact in the when he shot out a hand to deny Brewers substitute Jack Dyer.

Harriers: Lewis; Williams; Finnigan (Wright, 58); Shaw (Vaughan, 75); Hankin (Hankin, 83); Briggs (Byrne, 58); Morris (Blair, 67); McPhee; Sharpe; Briscoe; Gittings (Griffiths, 88).

Unused substitutes: McCone; Stevens.

Burton Albion: Legzdins; Corbett; Moore; Stanton; Boertien; Penn (Maghoma, 46); Bolder; McGrath; Webster (Phillips, 67); Pearson (Dyer, 46); Harrad.

Unused substitutes: Poole; James; Ellison; Preen; Walker; Young.

Referees: M Amphett (West Midlands). Attendance: 544 (71)