FIRST-HALF mishaps are plaguing Kidderminster Harriers but they continue to keep pace with the Division Three promotion contenders.

Boss Ian Britton has seen his team misfire for 45 minutes against Carlisle, Swindon and Rushden and Diamonds in recent weeks.

And, despite a much improved opening period at Torquay on Tuesday, they still found themselves 2-0 down at half-time.

But Harriers, who host Oxford United in the league on Saturday, fought back to claim a second draw in four days following the weekend FA Cup tie with Rushden.

Britton admitted: "I was disappointed to be losing at half-time.

"In the previous two or three games, we deserved to be losing but at Torquay we certainly didn't.

"We should have had two or three goals by then and their first was an unfortunate deflection.

"Even at half-time with us 2-0 down, we still felt we were going to win the game and we should have done.

"We must remember that if we are going to get anything out of games, we have to play for a lot longer than 45 minutes."

Britton's latest loan signing Andy Bishop made the difference at Torquay, scoring the equaliser and having a hand in the first goal as Harriers moved up to fifth in the table.

It looks to be another astute capture after midfield maestro John Melligan returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers due to injury and suspension at Molineux.

Britton hopes Melligan can return when Wolves' problems clear up but the focus is currently on Bishop, a 20-year-old snapped up for a month from Walsall.

He said: "I knew of Bishop through youth games and have watched him in reserve matches too.

"I knew he could do something for us and although it's still early days, hopefully he will do.

"He works very hard for the team and is one of those centre-forwards who puts defenders under pressure as well as scoring goals."

Harriers will face Oxford without skipper Sean Flynn, suspended alongside Scott Stamps who is out for up to a month with a groin tear anyway.

Britton rested midfielder Sean Parrish at Torquay due to a groin strain and he is likely to be back in contention.

Eleventh-placed Oxford have conceded just 16 goals in 18 league fixtures and have won their last two games after a bleak spell of six without a win.

Britton added: "All the games are tough. Now we are around the top, everyone wants to beat us. But it's still what we do that matters.

"The players' great commitment and desire is being reflected in our results.

"I cannot put my finger on why we are doing better away from home. All we can do is keep having a go and doing the right things."

Harriers' impressive away displays will be put to the test in Tuesday's FA Cup first round replay at Rushden and Diamonds (7.45pm).

A trip to either Forest Green Rovers or Exeter and prize money of £20,000 awaits the winners.