Harriers 0, FC United 2

HARRIERS had their seven-game unbeaten run halted with defeat against FC United of Manchester on a frustrating afternoon at Aggborough.

A first half gift from keeper Sam Hornby handed the visitors something to hold onto before a second half header from Liam Ashworth gave the home side too much to do.

In reality it was a game of missed chances for Kidderminster who shouldn't really have found themselves behind at the break.

They were soon on top in the contest and confidently began to ask questions in the final third.

The first real chance came after eight minutes with an attack down the right from advanced full back Tyrone Williams. His cross was deflected onto the post by a United defender as he attempted to cut it out before it fell to Tyrell Waite six yards out. But his effort was blocked by defender Ashworth at close range.

The home side kept the pressure on but couldn't find a way through. First Waite hit an effort wide on 12 minutes before McQuilkin called keeper Dave Carnell into action to gather his low effort a minute later.

It was Harriers asking all the questions with slick build-up play and crisp passing in the final third but it was FC United that would take the lead against the run of play.

A rare attack saw them win a free kick when Matt Wolfenden was brought down out wide.

George Thompson's ball in was misjudged by Sam Hornby who could only miscue his punch towards the unguarded net.

Keith Lowe attempted in vain to keep it out on the line.

Once they had their lead the rest of the half proved a frustrating one for Harriers as United battled hard to halt their rhythm and ensure they had it all to do in the second period.

The second half continued to get frustrating for Harriers as opportunities came and went.

On the hour mark Williams and McQuilkin saw efforts blocked and Waite fired over as another promising move couldn't be finished.

In truth, the visitors did a good job to stifle them for large spells before bagging a crucial second.

Greaves got in behind but had his lofted effort deflected over by Hornby.

However, the resulting corner from George Thomson was headed powerfully home by Ashworth at the far post as Harrier failed to get tight enough.

Harriers struggled to find a way back into the game as suddenly passes were going astray to halt the build up.

McQuilkin spurned another chance on 72 minutes before sub Andre Brown headed weakly at Carnell with 10 minutes left on the clock.

The game soon ebbed away from the hosts and could have been wrapped up by United sub Gilchrist when he raced into a long ball that was misjudged by Keith Lowe.

Hornby got down well at his feet to halt his progress before defenders got back to clear.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Eustace's men against a side who battled hard and defended well to make sure their lead remained intact.

Now all eyes will be on how this young side react to the rare defeat when they go to Harrogate on Tuesday night.

Harriers: Hornby, Williams, Francis-Angol, Croasdale, Lowe (c), Tunnicliffe (Austin 72), Waite, McQuilkin, Dieseruvwe, Truslove (Brown 55), Gnahoura.

Unused Subs: Stambolziev, Carter, Thomas.

FC United: Carnell, Tonge, Chantler, Kay, Eckersley, Ashworth, Wolfenden (Wright 81), Brown (Sheridan 82), Greaves (c) (Gilchrist 72), Thomas, Williams.

Unused Subs: Corbett, Hill.

Att: 2,177