FRUSTRATED boss Andy Thorn described Harriers' defending as 'appalling' after Saturday's 5-1 loss at Cambridge.

Things had looked positive when Anthony Malbon's first goal since November had put the Aggborough outfit ahead in the 30th minute.

But a mixture of sloppy defending and bad luck conspired see Harriers slump to defeat.

Josh Coulson's heavily deflected effort got the flagging U's back into the game.

Delano Sam-Yorke, who had tormented Kidderminster's defence two weeks ago on-loan at Lincoln, was Cambridge's key player.

He set-up Ryan Bird's goal and then grabbed a fine individual effort.

Luke Berry and Andy Pugh struck to rub salt into Harriers' wounds.

"We controlled the game for long spells and created so many chances," said Thorn.

"Attacking-wise that was probably the best we've been.

"We controlled the first half but conceded a sloppy goal which we were disappointed with.

"To give away the goals we did was disappointing, Cambridge didn't even have to work for them.

"We gifted them three goals with individual errors again that have cost us because going forward we looked a threat.

"To lose 5-1 was a real sickener. We were appalling in our defending and were punished."

Defeat leaves the Reds tenth in the Skrill Premier, four points off the play-offs.