SIMON Russell answered Mark Yates's SOS call by stepping off the bench to rescue Harriers' pride at Cambridge United with a sensational strike.

SOS definitely stood for Shoot on Sight, but whether it will translate as Save our Season remains to be seen after this potential turning point.

Russell's exquisite equaliser epitomised why Yates still holds out so much hope for this Harriers side, but also summed up Kidderminster's continued inconsistency.

As the manager admitted afterwards if players like Russell could produce the goods week in week out then they would not be playing non-league football.

Indeed the Hull youngster's tendency to blow hot and cold has seen him fail to make Kidderminster's line up for most of the season and he was even left out of the 16 on Saturday.

But if Aggborough's fringe players can follow his example and grasp the nettle like he did at the Abbey Stadium then there is hope of clearing up this sorry mess.

Before Russell's 80th minute introduction it was same old Harriers as Yates men huffed and puffed without hitting Cambridge where it hurts in the penalty box.

For the second game running they failed to register a single effort on goal - until the late leveller - and the 73 hardy Harriers fans who made the trip had nothing to shout about.

In fairness to Kidderminster, although they were up against bottom-of-the-table they were not facing opponents who felt sorry for themselves.

The U's last minute equaliser at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday had clearly boosted their fragile confidence and they adopted an up-and-at-em approach against Harriers.

Caretaker boss Lee Power saw his side enjoy the better of the first half and they might have led at the break but for a couple of marginal decisions going in the visitors' favour.

Cambridge captain Rob Wolleaston felt that his 10th minute shot from Jon Brady's corner had crossed the line after bouncing down off the bar, but referee Guy Stretton thought differently.

And The U's had a decent penalty appeal waved away by the match officials when Mark Creighton appeared to push Danny Carey-Bertram during an aerial battle.

Power's players looked the most likely to break the deficit with Courtney Pitt causing Jeff Kenna countless problems in wide areas, while Wolleaston's well struck half-volley forced a good save from Scott Bevan.

Meanwhile the most Yates's men could muster was a hopeful run and hopeless shot from Gavin Hurren, while Luke Reynolds failed to capitalise on a fumble by Cambridge keeper Paul Crichton.

On the balance of play after the break, Cambridge just about deserved to take the lead in the 71st minute when Brady was left unmarked at the back post to nod in a downward header from Pitt's curling corner.

Minutes earlier they had spurned a good chance when right back Rob Gier picked out Marcus Richardson with a measured long ball but the striker screwed his close range volley off target.

Falling behind again must have been Yates's worst nightmare because while his latest system - a 4-1-3-2 formation with Hurren sitting in front of the back four - offered greater protection at the back they still looked toothless in attack.

On the hour mark the manager shuffled his pack again, taking off the ineffective strike duo of Reynolds and Iyseden Christie and giving Bob Taylor a competitive debut alongside Andy White in a new-look frontline.

But it was the arrival of Russell which turned the game.

The blonde bombshell is nicknamed Scholesy because of his passing resemblance to the Manchester United midfielder and for once he lived up to his moniker with a belter which ended Harriers eight hour 23 minute drought.

Russell nearly won it for Harriers in injury time when he was denied by Crichton after bursting through on goal while Taylor also wasted a last gasp chance when he headed over from close range.

Cambridge (4-4-2): Crichton; Gier, Morrison, Peters, Robinson; Brady, Hanlon, Wolleaston, Pitt; Carey-Bertram (Simpson 80), Richardson (Gash 86). Subs not used: Bloomer, Smith, Bridges.

Harriers (4-1-3-2): Bevan 6; Kenna 5, Creighton 7, Whitehead 6, Harkness 6; Hurren 6; Penn 6, McClen 6 (RUSSELL 80, 8), McGrath 6; Reynolds 5 (B Taylor 62, 6), Christie 5 (White 62, 5). Subs not used: Sedgemore, S Taylor.

Referee: Guy Stretton (Leicestershire).

Attendance: 1,860.

Star man: Russell.