HARRIERS lacked quality in their defeat to Curzon Ashton at Aggborough, said “bitterly disappointed” boss Russ Penn.

After a fine opening-day triumph at Blyth Spartans less than two weeks ago, Penn’s men have faltered at the start of their home campaign, this 2-1 set-back coming days after the 0-0 draw with Leamington.

Whilst few may be pushing the panic button at Aggborough with just three games of the new term gone, the Manager was in no doubt that the midweek performance fell far below standard.

Reflecting on the match that saw Harriers go down to a goal in each half, Penn said: “I’m bitterly disappointed; we weren’t good enough to win the game tonight and that hurts.

“We helped [Curzon’s] game plan. We weren’t threatening enough and didn’t get used to the conditions enough.

“We just weren’t good enough tonight. We huffed and puffed a bit but that’s the least I expect… we lacked a bit of guile.

We have some good players at the top end of the pitch, and we lacked quality tonight, they know, and I know.

“We will be better over the year, but we need to do it now, and need to do it every game.”

Chances were indeed few and far between for the hosts against Curzon, who had started the season with back-to-back defeats prior to visiting Worcestershire.

They stole ahead on 25 minutes as Will Hayhurst was left with the task of slotting in a low cross at the far post.

Harriers were far quieter in front of goal than against Leamington on Saturday when they regularly tested the goalkeeper – and in fact forced Nash custodian Chris Renshaw into just a single a notable stop.

Tom Owen-Evans had the team’s only real chance of the first half as he fired wide of the far post, the second half also yielding little by way of attacking intent.

In fact, it took Curzon’s second goal to spring the hosts into life. Devon Matthews’ free header was planted past Palmer on 69 minutes, before sub Ethan Freemantle reduced the deficit seven minutes later. He combined well with fellow sub Gabby Rogers to send a soaring header past Renshaw and record his first goal of the season.

That set in motion the best spell of pressure of the night by far. Within ten minutes of their goal, Harriers went close again on three occasions; Hemmings drawing Renshaw into his only key intervention before Freemantle nodded on to the bar and Yusifu Ceesay also headed off target.

Curzon held on to seal what was ultimately a deserved victory, with Harriers now heading to Bradford (Park Avenue) in league action on Saturday.