Harriers win another friendly in style

Kidderminster Harriers were out of sight by half-time away from home for the second pre-season friendly in a row after hammering Stratford 5-1.

After leading 3-0 at Stafford Rangers on Saturday, Harriers put another three past their Midland Alliance hosts by the break last night.

Harriers broke the deadlock through Lee Vaughan's seventh minute penalty, after a Stratford defender handled Danny Pilkington's shot.

Pilkington tormented the hosts again with a cool lob to make it 2-0 two minutes later, as Harriers surged into the lead at the DCS Stadium.

The home side pulled a goal back on 32 minutes, Luke Williams with another penalty after Keith Briggs handled for Harriers.

But, in first-half stoppage time, Harriers restored their two-goal cushion, former Stratford striker Robert Thompson-Brown scoring from a corner.

Five minutes into the second-half, the visitors got their fourth, Ricky Shakes heading home fellow substitute Anthony Malbon's flick on at close range.

A powerful effort from Malbon rounded off the scoring in the 62nd minute, his effort from outside the area flying into the net to complete the rout.

Harriers boss Steve Burr ran the rule over another two trialist goalkeepers with Robert Ambrusics, formerly of Leicester and Cambridge, starting.

Josh Van Leader, an American who played for Georgia Revolution in his homeland, took over between the sticks in the second-half.

Former Coventry and Scunthorpe striker Aaron Wint played after the break, with Paul McCone and Justin Naisbitt also given a chance.

Tonight's pre-season friendly away at Southern Premier League side Barwell has been called off, with Harriers citing injuries when pulling out.