Harriers 2, Farsley Celtic 0

HARRIERS secured victory over Farsley to make it a successful start to a new era at Aggborough.

A penalty from Correy Davidson and a goal for substitute Ed Williams made it a winning start for Kidderminster’s new owners following a successful takeover this month.

After a break of more than three weeks without action, it took the Reds some time to find their rhythm during an even start to the contest.

It was new signing Ashley Hemmings who worked their first effort of the evening when he fired straight at keeper Kyle Trenerry from distance after 13 minutes.

The home side took the lead from the penalty spot just five minutes later after Ash Chambers was adjudged to have been bought down in the box.

He chased down a loose ball and nipped in ahead of defender Tom Allan. It looked as if the Farsley full-back might have got something on the ball but the ref was quick to point to the spot and Correy Davidson just as quick to step up and beat Trenerry.

Farsley carried a threat through long balls into the box but it was the direct runs in behind from Rich Peniket and Chambers that kept Harriers on the front foot.

It was Chambers who fired wide of the target on 35 minutes after gathering a loose header from skipper Danny Ellis.

Farsley continued to ask questions with balls into the heart of the Reds’ rearguard as Dave Syers drilled over the bar after collecting a second ball on the edge of the area.

The clash remained an even affair but Harriers’ defence dug in late on to limit the visitors and take their lead into the break.

Celtic were quick out the traps at the start of the second half and Jimmy Spencer had the first sight at goal when blazing over from 20 yards just two minutes in.

The positive approach from the visitors looking for a way back made for a more open contest.

That played to the strength of both Chambers and Hemmings who began to make the most of the extra space to run with the ball at feet.

However, with the game still open, Farsley nearly found a leveller on 57 minutes but first Dyers and then Allan at the far post couldn’t convert Tyler Walton’s dangerous low cross.

Jordan Richards then forced home keeper Cameron Gregory to turn his dipping free-kick round the post on 64 minutes.

Harriers bagged the vital second goal on 78 minutes when sub Ed Williams diverted the ball home just seven minutes after his introduction.

Peniket kept a cross from Hemmings alive at the far post before Williams slid in to double his side’s advantage.

Trenerry got down low to keep out Milan Butterfield’s late strike from range before Gregory kept out sub Nathan Cartman as Harriers returned to winning ways.

They will now look to build on the win when they welcome King’s Lynn to Aggborough this weekend.

Harriers: Gregory, Austin, Davidson (E.Williams 72), R. Williams, Moyo (c), Johnson, Weeks, Butterfield, Chambers, Hemmings (Shenton 88), Peniket.

Unused subs: Palmer, Prosser, Higginson.

Farsley: Trenerry, Richards, Allan, Higgins, Ellis (c) (Parkin 75), Clayton, Walton (Cartman 75), Atkinson, Spencer, Syers (Francis 65), Hayhurst.

Unused subs: Wynne, Cogill.

Att: 1,045.