HARRIERS kept up an unbeaten start to the season with a one-sided 3-1 win over Chester at Aggborough.

The Reds controlled the vast majority of the match and were more than good value for a three-goal lead given to them through Omari Sterling’s opener, Mark Carrington’s stupendous effort and yet another Sam Austin strike. Only a late Chester penalty put a slight dent in the enthusiasm of the day.

With barely 48 hours removed from the previous match at Southport, boss Russ Penn had the tough task of deciding how to approach this home clash – in the end it was Keith Lowe who missed out of the starting eleven having returned for that last match. He was replaced in the eleven by Omari Sterling.

To say Harriers were dominant throughout the first half would be an understatement - from the first whistle they peppered the visiting goal with chances; Freemantle twice and Bajrami going close within the first ten minutes before Austin volleyed wide as he looked to build on his strong start to the season.

Hemmings struck the bar with a downward header as the hosts continued to prowl, but with 20 on the clock Chester did register one of their few first half chances when Askey saw an effort turned away for a corner.

A few minutes later Harriers were ahead - Sterling staying strong as he surged into the area and firing the ball firmly into the net to leave Gray with no chance.

Past the half-hour, Hemmings and Sterling both had efforts saved before Harriers were once again denied by the woodwork, great work in the area from Foulkes feeding Hemmings who blasted an angled effort off the far post.

Almost predictably, there was an instant reaction from Chester after the break and within five minutes Grand had scuffed over the bar from barely a couple of yards out.

Just when you felt that would be enough of a platform to keep Harriers edgy and give Chester a platform, Harriers went on to stride further in front – Sterling had gone close with a couple of efforts but, with 72 on the clock, Carrington’s simply sensational effort saw him take a touch and drive the ball from fully 30 yards into the top corner.

That very much killed off any head of steam Chester had been building and, within ten minutes, two was three as a blocked ball in the area fell to the feet of Austin who rifled it home, in off the far post, to net his third goal of the term.

The late Chester goal wasn’t enough to take the shine off the performance, sub Johnston slotting the ball beyond Simpson to reduce the arrears after Montrose was adjudged to have given away a foul in the area.

Harriers: Simpson, Richards, Cameron, Austin, Carrington (Montrose 70), Hemmings, Sterling, Foulkes (Penny 77), Martin, Bajrami, Freemantle (Bell 67).

Subs not used: White, Emery.

Attendance: 2,143

Referee: Daniel Wooton