Harriers 0, Chester 1

HARRIERS fell to their third defeat of the season as they suffered a narrow loss to Chester.

Matty Hughes’ first half goal was enough to take the spoils at Aggborough.

Kidderminster’s disappointing afternoon in front of goal was summed up as Ash Chambers missed an open goal in the closing stages as their chances of taking anything from the clash went begging. Both side worked early openings as the contest got off to a quick start. Milan Butterfield fired over for the hosts after two minutes before Bradley Johnson saw an effort blocked four minutes later.

Harriers saw a penalty shout waved away moments later as Ash Chambers went over after beating keeper Russ Griffiths to the ball.

The game remained open with big chances coming at either end.

Anthony Dudley dragged a shot wide with the goal at his mercy after Cameron Gregory could only push Joel Taylor’s long throw to the edge of the box.

Ed Williams was then denied at close range by Griffiths after bursting into the area.

Still the chances came and Harriers needed Rhys Williams to clear off the line after a well-worked free-kick freed Matty Hughes in the area. He drilled low across goal but saw his effort kept out by the on-loan Liverpool youngster.

Chester did go ahead on 27 minutes when Hughes fired low under Gregory after being played in on the left side of the area by Jackson.

Harriers put on some pressure late in the half but couldn’t trouble Griffiths before the break.

They were quick out the traps in the second half and worked the first effort in the first minute when Williams saw an angled drive from the right edge of the box gathered by the Chester stopper.

Sam Austin and Correy Davidson then tested Griffiths as the hosts looked for a way back.

Chester didn’t have the same attacking intent compared to the first half but should have extended their lead on 66 minutes as Jackson drilled narrowly wide from just inside the box.

Harriers continued to enjoy more possession but struggled to create chances as Chester dropped deeper.

The visitors nearly struck on the break as the clash entered the final 10 minutes but Gregory stood tall to deny Dudley.

Chambers should have pinched a point for the Reds with three minutes left on the clock but missed the open goal after he’d charged down Griffiths’ clearance.

Harriers: Gregory, Austin, Davidson (Scott 71), Williams, Moyo (c), Johnson, Weeks (Prosser 28), Butterfield, Chambers, Williams, Peniket.

Unused subs: Mountjoy, Higginson, Lowth.

Chester: Griffiths, K. Roberts, Taylor, G. Roberts (c), Livesey, Grand, Jackson, Stopforth, Waring (Asante 75), Hughes (Mahon 77), Dudley (Burton 88).

Unused subs: Burton, Waters, Elliott.

Att: 1,710 (378).