Harriers kept up their excellent away form in National League North with an important win at Southport.

Russ Penn’s men came from behind at the Pure Stadium to seal a 2-1 victory, with Keith Lowe’s first-half equaliser cancelling out the Port opener, before an Ashley Hemmings stunner wrapped up the success after the break in real style.

It means an improving Harriers side have been beaten just once in six matches, a considerable resurgence in comparison to the inconsistency that has plagued their season. 

Penn had opted to make just once change to the team that had been beaten at Aggborough last time out, two weeks prior; Ed Williams coming in for Ollie Shenton who dropped to the bench. 

The game at Southport was dominated by the conditions, a blustery wind and a difficult playing surface combining to ensure this was anything other than a game for the purists. That said, Harriers could have stolen ahead inside two minutes, though Hemmings fired over from close range after picking up a Chambers cross at the far post.

A half of few chances got its first goal on 20 minutes when, against the run of play, captain Morgan fired the home side into the lead, after Moyo could only head a clearance into his path. The response was good, though, and Harriers found themselves level not long after when Lowe nodded a long throw from Rhys Williams into the net for what was the first goal of his third spell at Aggborough.

Nine before the break, Southport might have retaken the lead were it not for Mannion’s smart stop from Anson’s header, the reaction save sending the teams into the break level, the custodian also denying Sanders who tried his luck two minutes after the restart.

A parry apiece from the two goalkeepers, before the hour, kept Ed Williams and Ogle at bay respectively, but it would be Southport who rued a missed chance when Astles headed wide on the angle on 67 minutes – just seconds before Hemmings drove from 20 yards, low and hard into the bottom corner to put the visitors ahead.

Harrier shored up and defended excellently after taking the lead – while Sampson’s header, deflecting over off Moyo was a dangerous opening, it was realistically the only serious chance they had to draw level as the men from Aggborough snuffed them out.

Up next for Penn’s charges is a short trip to Leamington this Saturday (3pm). 

Meanwhile, Harriers have confirmed Aggborough will host a Family Fun Day for their game against Bradford (Park Avenue) on 4th April, to include fun activities, face painting, autograph sessions and more. 

A Family Ticket of up to two adults and four children will cost just £30, with more details on harriers.co.uk.