Harriers 1, Southport 4

HARRIERS missed the chance to go top as they were stunned by bottom-placed Southport at Aggborough.

A first half double from Jack Sampson and goals from Jason Gilchrist and Dion Charles had the Reds reeling.

Kidderminster netted in the second half through Jimmy O’Connor but it proved only a consolation as they slipped up against the league’s bottom-placed side for the second time this season.

They were shocked by FC United of Manchester two weeks ago and again struggled to get out of the traps against a Southport side that came into the clash with only one win to their name.

A flat Harriers side found themselves behind after just three minutes after Jack Sampson’s deflected effort crept in via the post.

The goal galvanised the visitors as the Reds struggled to find their rhythm and too often relied on long balls forward.

Billy Daniels blazed over after a corner was only half cleared on 12 minutes but the hosts struggled to keep the pressure on.

Southport then worked Hall on 17 minutes after Jordan Richards’ free-kick from the left corner of the area found its way through the crowd.

Harriers were off the pace and were made to pay again on 22 minutes when forward Gilchrist headed home Richards’ cross from the right to double Southport’s advantage.

It got worse for the hosts just past the half hour mark when Sampson flicked a header beyond Hall after a long throw to the near post.

Harriers were then four down on 35 minutes as Charles’ shot from the edge of the box was deflected over Hall to leave the home side with an almost impossible task as the boos rang out at Aggborough.

Boss Neil MacFarlane reacted by making all three changes at half time as Lee Vaughan, Ryan Johnson and Dan Bradley made way for Kane Richards, Joe Ironside and Sam Austin.

Ironside registered his side’s first effort on target after just two minutes but keeper Dan Hanford collected his header.

Declan Weeks then fired over from a free-kick as an early second half goal couldn’t be found.

Harriers did open their account on 68 minutes thanks to captain O’Connor’s neat back heel beyond Hanford.

However, Southport were happy to drop deep and soak up the pressure as comeback failed to materialise.

Harriers, who dropped to fourth with the defeat, will have to bounce back at Nuneaton next week.

Harriers: Hall, Vaughan (Austin 45), Taylor, O’Connor (c), Horsfall, Johnson (Ironside 45), Weeks, Daniels, Bradley (Richards 45), Chambers, Williams.

Unused subs: Baxendale, Digie.

Southport: Hanford, Richards, Ogle, Morgan (c), Winnard, Edwards, Charles, Wood, Gilchrist (Homson-Smith 82), Sampson, Bauress.

Unused subs: Green, Mueller, Priestley, Tibbets.

Att: 1,513