HARRIERS suffered an eighth straight defeat as the relegation battlers wasted an opportunity to alleviate the pressure in Hampshire.

The Reds had been the better team in a largely uneventful first half but were punished for not creating enough chances when on top.

Aldershot, who improved greatly after the break, took the lead through Charlie Walker in the 50th minute.

Despite a spirited response by Kidderminster, with Arthur Gnahoua and Ben Whitfield missing opportunities, they goal-scoring problems continued.

Harriers also stretched their winless away streak in the Vanarama National League to 22 games.

They had made two changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Guiseley last weekend.

With Matthew Barnes-Homer's loan from Aldershot finished, Omari Patrick started in a front three with Arthur Gnahoua and Elton Ngwatala.

Luke Maxwell replaced James McQuilkin in midfield, his first Harriers start since signing for Birmingham City.

The away side controlled the first half with snappy passing and sharp tackling leaving the hosts all at sea.

Such was lacklustre Aldershot's bewilderment as Harriers' possession, Dan Walker and Damon Lathrope picked up bookings.

For all the ball retention, Harriers still lacked some creativity to get behind their opponents.

But Gnahoua forced keeper Phil Smith into action in the 11th minute after a driving run. He unleashed a rising 20- yard effort that the keeper had to punch away.

Keith Lowe directed a header over the bar from a Ben Whitfield corner.

Ngwatala, who once again stood out for Kidderminster, was handed a chance after a sweeping move down the left.

The former Paris St German midfielder saw his first shot blocked and then his follow-up deflected wide for a corner.

In contrast, Aldershot did not test keeper Dean Snedker, despite several wayward crosses.

The home side created a chance early in the second half when Charlie Walker's free-kick found Dan Pavey but he fired wide.

But Harriers' work was undone in the 50th minute when their right side was left exposed and Rhys Browne teed up Charlie Walker, who slotted home from a tight angle into the far bottom corner.

The home team were pouring forward to test Kidderminster's resolve, with Browne hitting the side netting and Snedker saving a header from Omar Beckles.

Gnahoua had chance in the 61st minute but fired over the bar after cutting in from the left wing.

Whitfield had an opportunity to make it 1-1 in the 65th minute. Ngwatala's pass deflected off defender Joe Oastler and the on-loan Bournemouth man fired wide from the edge of the box with just the keeper to beat.

Kidderminster made two changes, taking off Jared Hodgkiss and Ngwatala for Tyrone Williams and James McQuilkin respectively in the 69th minute.

It was Williams' first senior appearance for Harriers, despite being the club's longest serving player.

New signing Evan Garnett then made his Harriers debut in the 73rd, replacing Patrick.

Harriers continued to search for an equaliser and Whitfield saw a dipping 20-yard effort fly over the bar in the 78th minute.

Aldershot's goal-scorer missed a golden chance to put his side 2-0 up in the 84th minute, stabbing off target from Sean McGinty's pull back.

Despite all their best efforts, Harriers were unable to find an equalising goal as the gap between themselves and safety widened to 16 points.

Aldershot: Smith, Oastler, McGinty, Lathrope, C Walker, Alexander, Beckles, Browne, Gallagher (Stevenson, 66), D Walker (Richards, 88), Pavey (Lafayette, 73).

Subs not used: Oliver, Thomas.

Harriers: Snedker, Hodgkiss (William, 69), Maxwell, Langmead, Patrick (Garnett, 73), Gnahoua, Fane, Francis-Angol, Lowe, Whitfield, Ngwatala (McQuilkin, 69).

Subs not used: Singh, Brown.

Referee: Adam Bromley.

Attendance: 1768 (67)