Stefan Maierhofer gave boss Mick McCarthy a reminder of his ability with an impressive performance as a youthful Wolves side lost to Kidderminster at Aggborough.

The Austrian international scored one goal, created another and struck the woodwork as Wolves were given a stern workout by a motivated Harriers side.

The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute when Maierhofer climbed well to hook a cross from Slovakian youngster Kristian Kostrna into the net.

But Harriers levelled just two minutes later after Steve Guinan picked out the unmarked Jack Cresswell in front of goal and, although Wolves goalkeeper Lewis Connor did well to turn the ball aside, Nick Wright was on hand to convert from close range.

Marc Williams then just failed to get a foot to Wright’s low centre, but when Wright supplied another cross in the 26th minute Williams was able to direct his header past Connor with ease.

Johnny Gorman hit a powerful long-range shot that went straight to Daniel Lewis and then came a bizarre moment when Wright was flagged offside but waved on by the referee.

He ran through to score but, after consulting his assistant, the referee then disallowed the goal.

Harriers stepped up the pace moments before the break as they took a 4-1 with two goals in two minutes to end the game as a contest.

Substitute Jamille Matt directed a header from Lee Vaughan’s cross past Connor in the 44th minute and then a minute later caught the

Wolves defence napping as he ran through the visitors’ defence unopposed before confidently striking the ball home.

Maierhofer led the Wolves charge after half-time as he rattled the crossbar with a long-range strike before he set up Sam Winnall in the 56th minute with a low cross which the young striker coolly finished.

Kidderminster: Lewis, Vaughan (Sharpe 64), Mike Williams (capt) (Demetriou 79), Jones, Marshall (Briscoe 79), Storer (Phelan 57), Byrne (Hankin 73), Cresswell (Vincent 57), Wright (Bottimer 73), Guinan (Matt 33), Marc Williams (Medley 67). Subs not used: Thompson-Brown.
Wolves: Connor, Kostrna, Hemmings, Harris, Reckord, Ihiekwe, Constantinou (Price 57), Winnall (capt), Maierhofer, Cassidy, Gorman. Subs not used: Mulliner, Ebanks-Landell, Whittall, Iorfa, Cranston.
Attendance: 1,114