Harriers 3, Alfreton 0

WHO needs the funk when Harriers have got the Dunk?

Centre back Chey Dunkley ensured Harriers made the perfect start to their home campaign in the Vanarama Conference with headed goals in each half.

Winger Marvin Johnson then capped a powerful display with an 84th minute effort to ensure the Reds have picked up four points from their first two games.

It’s Kidderminster’s best start to the league since the 2003-04 season, when Harriers defeated Mansfield and Darlington powerful displays.

While Alfreton, who were without the manager Nicky Law after he was hit by a six-game stadium ban, will not be the toughest challenge the Aggborough outfit will face, the manner which they were brushed aside will have pleased Reds boss Gary Whild no end.

The hosts were in control throughout and nearly opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Craig Reid’s effort crept the wrong side of the post.

Two minutes later, Dunkley saw a thumping header from a Kevin Nicholson corner cleared off the line.

But he was not to be denied in the 24th minute when he ploughed through a crowded box to meet Kyle Storer’s accurate corner and bury the ball in the back of the net.

The highly-rated 22-year-old, who is tipped to be one of Kidderminster’s star players, enhanced his reputation in the 61st minute, nodding home at the far post from a quality delivery from left-back Nicholson.

Johnson then stole in to meet Jared Hodgkiss’ cross and knock in a rare headed effort. It was the winger’s first Harriers’ goal since February 1.

It could have been more, but Alfreton keeper Jon Harris-Stewart got a hand to a low shot from Reid and athletically tipped over Aman Verma’s swerving 20-yard left-footed effort.

In a strong all-round performance it is worth mentioning Nathan Blissett’s rampaging display.

The 24-year-old is enjoying his chance to shine after several seasons on the fringes of the first team and his muscular efforts and aerial prowess left the visitor’s defence battered and broken.

Assistant boss Mark Creighton said: “Nathan is an absolute handful and the thing is he doesn’t know how good he is.

“That will come, he is starting to get more and more confident and I think the fans can see that.”

He added: “The boys are taking on board what we’re saying and doing it without thinking.

“I don’t want to single anybody out but there was a stage in the game where Marvin Johnson saw Jared Hodgkiss was out of position and sprinted 50 yards to play as a full back. A year ago he wouldn’t have done that.

“Having played for Gary Whild, I know lads run through brick walls for him. I am reliving my playing days because I know what it’s like to be managed by Gary.”

HARRIERS: Lewis 7, Hodgkiss 7, Storer 7, DUNKLEY 9, Byrne 7 (Styche, 89), Johnson 7 (Gittings 87), Reid 7, Blissett 8 (Gash, 76), Verma 7, Nicholson 7, Gowling 7. Subs not used: Grimes, Singh.

ALFRETON: Harris-Stewart, Gray (Stevenson, 74), Rowe-Turner, Graham, Smith, Keane, Wood, Howell (Hicks, 89), Clayton (McDonald, 85), Sheridan, Bradley. Subs not used: Shaw, McFadzean.

Referee: Ben Toner (Lancashire). Attendance: 1686 (52)