WREXHAM 0 HARRIERS 2

WALES is proving a happy hunting ground for Kidderminster Harriers after they shook off their poor form for one of the best results of the season.

Harriers had been without a win in Division Three since their 4-0 demolition of Swansea City on October 29.

But, in their first meeting with Wrexham since the old Welsh Cup days, Ian Britton's men showed why they have been so strong on their travels this season.

It was the midfield in particular that stood out with hard-working central trio Sean Flynn, Sean Parrish and John Melligan giving promotion-chasing Wrexham a torrid time.

So torrid that a frustrated Darren Ferguson, son of Sir Alex, saw red after a terrible studs-first challenge on Melligan in the 63rd minute.

Excellent goals from Parrish and Melligan gave boss Britton, 46 on Friday, a late birthday and early Christmas present all in one.

Parrish, returning to his hometown club who were undefeated in six league games, struck on 44 minutes with a sweet 25-yard left-foot volley from a half-cleared cross.

But on-loan Melligan was keen to rival that strike with his eighth of the season and the first of his second spell at the club, a stunning top-corner bullet from a similar distance late on.

Harriers set themselves up perfectly for three games over the Christmas and New Year period that could catapult the former Conference club back among the promotion chasers.

Wrexham are very much a similar team to Harriers in that they are more comfortable on their travels and also use a 3-5-2 system.

Despite hitting the woodwork twice, the Welshmen looked pretty ragged for much of Saturday's game and struggled to match a powerful display from the visitors.

Midfielder Paul Barrett lashed a stinging shot against the post on 34 minutes and Stuart Brock denied Andy Morrell soon after in a promising first-half spell for Wrexham.

But Harriers controlled the opening 45 minutes with Bo Henriksen glancing a header wide and then chipping a good chance weakly at keeper Kristian Rogers.

Dean Bennett also produced a comfortable save from Rogers who was beaten by Andy Bishop on 37 minutes only for the loan front-man to be flagged offside.

But there was no doubting the quality of Parrish's volley to give Harriers the opening goal for the first time in nine matches.

Ferguson's sending off gave Wrexham the kind of jolt Harriers received last Saturday when Drewe Broughton walked.

Brock saved brilliantly from a low Morrell drive on 65 minutes and substitute Hector Sam fired inches wide of the post eight minutes from time.

But Melligan's super strike bagged a deserved three points, moments after Bishop's effort had been turned aside by Rogers.

And when Morrell's last-minute 20-yard chip could only find the crossbar, it summed up a bad afternoon for his team.

WREXHAM: Rogers; Pejic (Carey 46), Roberts, Lawrence; C Edwards, Barrett, Ferguson, Whitley, P Edwards (Thomas 79); Jones (Sam 79), Morrell. Subs: Holmes, Dibble.

HARRIERS: Brock 7; Coleman 7, Ayres 6, Hinton 7; Bennett 7 (Williams 83), Melligan 8, Flynn 8, PARRISH 9, Shilton 7; Bishop 7, Henriksen 6 (Broughton 70, 6). Subs: Foster, Danby, Doyle.

ATTENDANCE: 3,734.

SHOTS ON: Wrexham 5, Harriers 7.

SHOTS OFF: Wrexham 5, Harriers 7.

CORNERS: Wrexham 5, Harriers 6.

GOALS: Parrish 44, Melligan 89.

YELLOW CARDS: Wrexham 1 (P Edwards), Harriers 2 (Parrish, Williams).

RED CARDS: Wrexham 1 (Ferguson), Harriers 0.

SHUTTLE STAR MAN: Sean Parrish. Gutsy workman-like display but his terrific volley really stood out.