FOOTBALL: Despite having 22 players and able field two separate sides, Harriers fans’ team fell to a disappointing 3-2 defeat in the opening game of the season to Chester.

Chester arrived minus a few players due to traffic problems and Harriers duly lent them Sean Merryweather and Shaun Connolly.

To rub salt in the wounds both players were key to a good first half performance by the visitors.

Merryweather scored as Chester opened up a two-goal lead.

Euan Morgan pulled one back for Harriers before a third just before half time gave the visitors a worthy lead half-time lead.

A fresher home side started the second half well but were unable to find the all-important next goal and Chester remained dangerous on the counter attack.

Steve Thomas headed in the last minute but it was all too late for Harriers.