Harriers 1, Boston United 1

HARRIERS had to settle for a point against battling Boston as their stuttering start to the season continued.

The home side took an early lead thanks to Mani Sonupe's effort and took the advantage into the break thanks to Brandon Hall's penalty save mid-way through the half.

But Boston fought back in the second period and levelled when home debutant Fraser Horsfall deflected an effort past his own keeper.

Joel Taylor, Dan Bradley and Joe Ironside all returned for Harriers as they looked for a much-needed win after Tuesday night's loss at Brackley. There was also a first start for Huddersfield loanee Horsfall at the heart of the defence.

It was Harriers who were quicker out of the blocks and took the lead after just six minutes when Mani Sonupe raced onto a quick ball forward from keeper Brandon Hall.

Hall had collected a free kick into his box well before angling a low pass out to the left wing in behind the visiting back line.

United keeper George Willis rushed into no man's land as Sonupe broke free and Harriers' top scorer was able to fire into an unguarded net from 20 yards out.

The hosts could have doubled their early advantage on 13th minute when Ngwatala's fine through ball found Ironside. But the striker dwelt in the ball and allowed Jordan Keane to recover and block his near post effort.

Harriers continued to dominate but could have put themselves in trouble when Horsfell's weak back pass almost let Kabongo Tshimanga in just before the 20 minute mark.

Hall was quick off his line to get a challenge in and see away the danger.

Harriers were almost the architects of their own downfall once more on 24 minutes when James McQuilkin fouled Ash Hemmings on the edge of the box to concede a penalty after left back Taylor had given the ball away cheaply as Reds again looked play out from the back.

The ref quickly pointed to the spot despite McQuilkin's protests that the foul was outside the area.

However, home stopper Hall was the hero as he dived to his left to push out Adam Chapman's spot kick. He then got to his feet quickly to gather James Clifton's follow-up effort.

It would have been slightly harsh if Reds had been pegged back after such a positive start but they would have only had themselves to blame.

The home side looked to break through as the half wore on but couldn't break down the visitors.

A late break from Sonupe was cynically halted by Chapman as he felled the flying winger just past the half way line. The United skipper took the booking and made sure his side were only one down at the break.

It took the visitors just three minutes into the second half to find an equaliser.

Tshimanga cut in from the right flank after racing on a ball over the top and saw his wayward effort come off the shoulder of Horsfall and past the helpless Hall.

United could have had the lead three minutes later when Tshimanga found space I the box but could only fire straight at Hall who got down well to gather.

Harriers needed a response after a slow start and nearly got it after a better flowing move freed McQuilkin on the left. He crossed for Ngwatala but the attacker could only slice a difficult effort over.

The hosts started to control the tempo again after that and Bradley had a curling effort from distance pushed away by Willis as the game opened up.

The Aggborough faithful were calling for Jordan Keane, who had earlier been booked for a late lunge on Bradley, to receive a second yellow when he re-entered the pitch without the referee's permission after receiving treatment. But the official chose to have a stern word rather than send him off.

Harriers were then left frustrated as Ngwatala and then sub Andre Wright could only test Willis from distance as the contest entered the final ten minutes.

New arrival Will Longbottom came off the bench as Reds looked to find a winner but he could only fire into the side netting in 86th mints after breaking free down the right.

In the end Harriers were again left frustrated after another mixed showing at Aggborough.

Attention will now quickly turn to Tuesday's home clash with Curzon Ashton as they look to recapture last season's sparkle.

Harriers: Hall, Austin, Taylor (Longbottom 84), Croasdale (c), Horsfall, Williams, Sonupe (Wright 78), McQuilkin, Ironside (Brown 58), Ngwatala, Bradley.

Unused subs: Weeks, Webb.

Boston: Willis, Clifton, Yeomans (Hare 60), Beatson, Keane, Cowgill, Rollins, Chapman (c), Tshimanga, Hemmings (Vince 58), Broadhead.

Unused subs: Waite, Hawley, McGuire.

Att: 1,463 (59).