Harriers 3, Chester 1

JOE Lolley sweetened a scrappy victory with his first Harriers goal to savour a memorable home debut on Saturday.

The 20-year-old striker’s bright cameo display and injury time effort made it look as though the Aggborough side won at a canter, but in truth they made hard work of the struggling Skrill Premier new boys.

Chester may have impressively won the Conference North for their third successive promotion but they were no match for Harriers, even though the hosts were not at their best.

“I am pleased to get the win,”said manager Steve Burr.

“It was a tough game for us, I didn’t feel we quite got into our stride but in saying that Chester came here and made it difficult for us.

“I think a couple of weeks ago I said we’ll play a lot worse than we did at Alfreton and win and that’s what we’ve done.”

Chester were finding it hard to get into the game but they had the first real chance when keeper Danny Lewis denied Alex Titchiner with his legs.

However, inspirational centre back Josh Gowling put the hosts ahead in the 32nd minute.

Lee Vaughan’s free-kick had ricocheted off a Chester player and went behind for a corner.

While the visiting defence disputed the set piece, the unmarked Gowling met Kyle Storer’s delivery with a fierce header.

Kidderminster doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Marvin Johnson, inset, held off a defender when he raced onto Callum Gittings’ pass and slotted the ball beyond ex-Harriers keeper John Danby.

But any hopes of a big win were squashed when Danny Harrison rose unmarked and headed an unlikely reply in the second minute of time added on.

There was little to get excited about after the break until Lolley replaced Anthony Malbon and buzzed brightly around Chester’s tiring defence.

His endeavours paid off in the fourth minute of time added on when he cut inside the bamboozled Kevin McIntyre and beat the keeper with a firm left-footed effort.

Harriers: Lewis 7, L Vaughan 7, Demetriou 6, Storer 6, Dunkley 7, Fowler 6 (Jackman 77), Gash 6, Malbon 6 (Lolley 65), Johnson 7 (Dance 65), Gittings 6, GOWLING 8. Subs not used: N Vaughan, Byrne.

Chester: Danby, Kay, Lineood, Harrison, L Turner, McKintyre, N Turner, Williams (Chippendale 87), Seddon (Mills 73), Titchiner, Laidler (Reed, 81). Subs not used: Horan, Pugh.

Referee: Rob Whitton (Essex).

Attendance: 2,283 (396).