Harriers suffer third defeat

Kidderminster's disappointing start to the season continued when they were sunk by first-half goals from Daryl McMahon and Adam Miller.

The setback prevented Mark Yates' men from gaining revenge for their FA Trophy final heartbreak at Wembley last season when Stevenage ran out 3-2 winners.

Borough signalled their intentions when a dangerous John Nutter cross was headed on to the top of the bar by Steve Morison.

Three minutes later, however, McMahon was bang on target with a well-struck shot after running on to a perfect defence-splitting through ball by Craig Dobson.

Stevenage made it 2-0 on the half hour when a mis-kicked clearance by goalkeeper Scott Bevan was expertly brought under control 30 yards out by Miller, who then coolly lobbed the ball into the net.

Substitute striker Iyseden Christie should have given Harriers a glimmer of hope in the 58th minute but he spurned a good chance.

Morison, Stuart Lewis and McMahon all went close to stretching Stevenage's lead before Kidderminster were denied a goal due to a controversial decision by referee Andy Hendley.

He blew for a foul for Harriers just as Matthew Barnes-Homer was directing his shot into the back of the net.

Kidderminster: Bevan; Kenna, Creighton, Whitehead, Harkness (Barnes-Homer, 63); Smikle, Hurren, Penn, Blackwood (Bignot, 89); Richards (Christie, 56), Constable. Subs not used: Coleman, Ferrell.

Stevenage: Julian; Fuller, Arber, Henry, Nutter; Dobson (Wilson, 90), Miller (Allen, 90), McMahon, Lewis, Martin; Morison. Subs not used: Oliver, Gaia, Russell.