Harriers 3, Eastleigh 2

HARRIERS produced a thrilling display to stun play-off hopefuls Eastleigh and enhance their survival chances in the Vanarama National League.

Goals for Luke Maxwell, Harry White and Arthur Gnahoua sealed an exciting encounter at Aggborough.

Harriers had been 2-0 when James Constable's brace levelled the scores.

But a superb solo effort from Gnahoua ensured Harriers win their first back-to-back games since December 2014.

Kidderminster were unchanged from the side that won in Boreham.

In contrast, Eastleigh handed a first start to experienced goal-getter Matt Tubbs, a high profile loan signing from Portsmouth.

But Harriers made a blistering start and took the lead in the third minute.

White, making his home debut, won the ball with a firm challenge on Dan Harding and set Ben Whitfield free.

The midfielder saw his effort fall to Maxwell and the on-loan Birmingham City man lashed a rising shot into the box from 15yards out.

The unfortunate Harding limped off injured and was replaced by Kaid Mohammed.

Eastleigh were stunned and they could not settle as an energetic home team snapped into the tackle and did not let them settle.

Elton Ngwatala was also looking dangerous and he saw long range efforts In the 12th and 16th minutes fly just wide.

Good defending from Keith Lowe and keeper Dean Snedker then kept the dangerous Tubbs at bay.

Whitfield was again proving to be a thorn in the away team's side and he tested keeper Michael Poke with a form low effort.

Eastleigh came to life near the end and full-back Michael Green had their first shot on target in the first minute of added time after a fine run but Snedker was equally to his effort.

But Harriers made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute with a sweeping counter-attack.

Ngwatala found Maxwell, who drilled in a left-footed shot that Poke parried into the path of White, who slotted home for his first goal for the club.

Eastleigh pulled one back in the 61st minute. Joe Partington had time to deliver a cross and Constable headed home at the far post.

The former Harriers hitman made it 2-2 with another simple finish in the 69th minute.

The hosts seemed to be suffering from nerves and when Coulston swept the ball across the box the goal-better bundled home.

But another fine individual goal put Harriers back in the lead in the 74th minute.

A quickly taken Ousmane Fane free-kick allowed Gnahoua to charge through the away defence and beat Poke with a low shot.

Green then hit the woodwork with a long range dipping effort.

The struggling Zaine Francis-Angol was replaced by Tyrone Williams to stiffen up the home defence.

But Harriers survived a nervous end as the away team searched for a leveller to secure a swash-buckling three points.

Kidderminster moved off the foot of the table and cut the gap go safety to ten points.

Harriers: Snedker, Hodgkiss, Maxwell, Langmead, Gnahoua, White (Garnett, 85), Fane, Francis-Angol (Williams, 75), Lowe, Whitfield, Ngwatala (McQuilkin, 83).

Subs not used: Patrick, Brown.

Eastleigh: Poke, Partington, Green, Evans, Turley, Payne, Constable, Strevens, Harding (Mohammed, 5) (Midson, 88), Coulston, Tubbs.

Subs not used: Flitney, Reid, Lee.

Referee: Adrian Holmes (W Yorks).

Attendance: 1335 (53)1