Tamworth 0, Harriers 3

PATIENCE has been a virtue for Harriers’ fans and defender Jamie Grimes but they both got what they wanted as Kidderminster romped to an impressive victory on Tuesday night.

If not for the heroics of Lambs keeper Cameron Belford, the Aggborough side would have won this one-sided Midlands derby in the Skrill Premier by a cricket score.

But the supporters who have been waiting for Harriers to click into top gear after a solid but unspectacular start to the season they got their wish.

The Lamb Ground is traditionally a difficult place for the Aggborough outfit but they notched up their second successive victory at Tamworth’s home.

It was also a satisfying night for defender Jamie Grimes as he made an impressive debut.

The former Swansea man has been waiting for a chance to shine since joining the club last season but when Josh Gowling pulled out because of a swollen right knee, Grimes was informed in Steve Burr’s pre-match team-talk that he would be starting.

“It’s been a long time coming for me,” said the 22-year-old. “I’ve been sat in the stands all last year but it was my time and I was glad I took the opportunity.

“I felt unfit but it was a great performance by the team.

“I knew Josh didn’t train on Monday but I thought he was playing until the gaffer’s team talk when he said I was in the side.”

Harriers set the tone from the kick-off and nearly opened the scoring after 19 seconds when the impressive Anthony Malbon teed up Michael Gash, who blazed over the bar.

But the deadlock was broken in the sixth minute when James Dance pounced on a weak back pass by Duane Courtney, raced into the box and calmly placed the ball past keeper Belford.

Gash added a second in the 63rd minute after another error.

Tony Capaldi could only clear a Dance corner to the hitman, who fired home from six yards out for his third goal of the season.

Kidderminster’s third goal came in the fifth minute of injury time when Courtney dragged down Malbon and he capped his man-of-the-match display with well-placed penalty.

Harriers: N Vaughan 7, L Vaughan 8, Storer 8 (Byrne 78), Fowler 8, Demetriou 8, Dunkley 7, Grimes 8, Dance 8 (Morgan-Smith 69), Gittings 8, MALBON 9, Gash 8 (Johnson 83). Subs not used: Lewis, Jackman.

Tamworth: Belford, Rose, Richards-Everton, Baker (Kerry 62), Courtney, Peniket (Byfield 45), Capaldi, Thomas, Lloyd, Elford-Alliyu, Wright (Todd 76). Subs not used: Evans, Wren.

Referee: A Fearn.

Attendance: 874