HARRIERS put an end to their long winless run with an important 1-0 victory over Farsley Celtic at The Citdadel.

The Reds went into the game knowing that anything other than three points would consign them to a tenth game without a success.

That was duly avoided thanks to a resolute and professional showing against relegation-threatened Farsley – Krystian Pearce getting the all-important goal early in the first half.

Russ Penn made three changes to his starting line-up for the trek to Yorkshire. The injured Reiss McNally and Ethan Freemantle missed out with Amari Morgan-Smith and Joe Foulkes replacing them. Also coming in was Joe Leesley for just his second start of 2023, Zak Brown dropping to the bench.

Harriers began the game well and got themselves in front after just four minutes. Leesley immediately made his presence felt with a dangerous corner delivery, Pearce rising high in the area and nodding a header into the back of the net.

Midway through the first period, Kyle Morrison went close as he headed another Leesley corner wide, before an expert save at the other end from Christian Dibble kept the visitors in front. Andy Devine let fly from distance and, when a huge deflection changed the direction of the ball Harriers looked in trouble, but Dibble adjusted well to turn the ball around the post.

Ashley Hemmings and Leesley had sights of goal to make it 2-0 either side of the break but the hosts went close again on 56 minutes, Dibble tipping a driven Frank Mulhern free kick on to the post before Alex Penny’s reactions allowed him to clear.

There was a chance apiece inside the final ten minutes. After Theo Williams had snatched a shot over the bar at one end, Hemmings almost put the game to but with a drive on the angle, home goalkeeper Max Dearnley proving equal to it.

At full time, Russ Penn reflected: “That was tough to watch, but what you do have to do when you come to Farsley is be organised, disciplined and have strong characters in the team.

“I thought we thoroughly deserved the win but, to get those wins, you’ve still got to defend from top to bottom.

“I’m delighted because we’ve made good progression in the last month, albeit we haven’t got the results we wanted.

“We look a decent outfit on our day.”

Harriers are next in action over the Easter period. Play-off chasing Buxton come to Aggborough on Good Friday before the team travel to AFC Fylde on Easter Monday (both 3pm).