Kidderminster 2 Walsall 3 - report

Walsall's character in coming back from a two-goal deficit against Kidderminster to claim victory bodes well.

That was the verdict of boss Dean Smith after last night's clash that saw Saddlers trailing 2-0 at half-time, only for a brace from winger Jamie Paterson to level things up after the break before Will Grigg bagged the winner at Aggborough.

"We created chances and showed some good character to come back, which is encouraging," said Smith. "It's only pre-season but it is still nice to get a win."

It was the Saddlers who came closest to opening the scoring in the 13th minute when Harriers keeper Danny Lewis was forced to make a diving save from a low Adam Chambers shot. But the home side took the lead two minutes later after Walsall failed to clear a corner from Danny Pilkington. The ball dropped to Ryan Austin and the former Burton Albion centre-back showed brilliant technique to execute a left-foot volley which gave Walsall keeper Jimmy Walker no chance.

Harriers doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Marvin Johnson's mazy dribble culminated in a low finish which deflected off Walker into the roof of the net.

Florent Cuvelier twice went close with low shots at distance, bringing fine saves.

Walsall pulled a goal back straight after the break when Paterson created a shooting opportunity near the corner of the 18-yard box and slid a low shot past unsighted substitute keeper Nathan Vaughan in the Harriers goal. If there was an element of fortune about Paterson's first goal his second in the 61st minute oozed class as he twisted and turned in the penalty area before curling the ball past Vaughan.

Grigg made amends for a first-half miss with a quality finish six minutes later.

Harriers (4-3-3): Lewis (N Vaughan, 46), Dunkley (L Vaughan 61), Geoghegan (McCone 83), Austin (Demetriou 61), Williams, Vincent (Storer 61), Briggs (Byrne 61), Pilkington, Rowe (Gittings 61), Malbon (Johnson, 22 (Nisbett 83), Shakes (Guinan 61). Subs not used: Thompson-Brown, Wint.

Walsall (4-2-3-1): Walker, Purvis, Butler, Holden, Benning, Featherstone, Chambers, Cuvelier (Baxendale 79), Paterson, Hemmings (Jones, 70), Grigg (Taylor, 87). Subs not used: Downing, Grof (gk).

Referee: Oliver Langford (W. Midlands); Attendance: 763