Darryl Knights got Kidderminster Harriers’ pre-season campaign off to a successful start with a third minute winner against League One new boys Hereford United at Aggborough.
The talented youngster made the most of a mistake by goalkeeper Darren Randolph who was making his debut for the Bulls.
The Eire under 21 international failed to clear a back pass from Kris Taylor and was dispossessed by Knights who walked the ball into the net.
Harriers, whose opening ‘warm-up’ game at Redditch United on Saturday was called off because of a waterlogged pitch, were well worth their narrow victory.
They could easily have been more than one goal up at half time. Randolph, however, recovered from his early lapse to pull off three fine saves to deny Knights as well as trialists Martin Brittain and David McDermott.
The only blot on Harriers’ impressive first half display was a 10th minute injury to new central defender Luke Jones, who came off as a precaution after suffering a minor knee injury.
Boss Mark Yates made wholesale changes for the second half, to enable him to run the rule over several trialists, including former Weymouth forward Gavin McCallum.
He saw two efforts well saved while another long range effort flew just over the bar.
Graham Turner’s Edgar Street men were generally toothless up front and never seriously troubled Harriers, whose lively performance gave the Aggborough faithful encouragement for the club’s forthcoming Blue Square Premier campaign.
Harriers entertain Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle in another friendly on Friday (7.45pm).
Kidderminster (first half): Coleman, Bowler, Lowe, Jones (Riley, 10), Ferrell, Brittain, Penn, McDermott, McGrath, Knights, Richards. (second half): Bartlett, Bowler, Bignot, Riley, Smikle, Taylor, Russell, Foley, McCallum, Addagio, Barnes-Homer.
Referee: A Hendley (West Mids).
Attendance: 661.
Share this article:
What are these?