KIDDERMINSTER Harriers kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw at Midland Alliance side Stratford Town.

On a hard and bumpy pitch the home side took a shock lead on 20 minutes when John Halford found himself in space before slotting past John Danby in the Harriers goal.

Harriers played the better football in the first period but struggled to break down a resolute Stratford defence in very warm conditions.

Harriers boss Ian Britton made eight changes at half-time, including a debut for new signing Sean Parrish, and the change livened them up.

Drewe Broughton went close twice before on 57 minutes, young striker Matt Lewis latched on to a Broughton header to slot home the equaliser.

Harriers' superior fitness began to show and in the last five minutes Lewis headed against the post from a fine cross from substitute Nick Heath.

Harriers: Danby (Brock 46), Lower (Sall 46), Joy, Khela (Heath 77), Hinton (Smith 46), Williams (Bennett 46), Doyle (Ayres 46), Ducros (Parrish 46), Shilton (Henricksen 46), Foster (Broughton 46), Corbett (Lewis 46).

Harriers, meanwhile, play their second friendly tonight when they take on their former boss Phil Mullen's Evesham United side at Common Road (7.30).