Controversial refereeing decisions cost Kidderminster Harriers as they collapsed to a second half nightmare at Darlington in a 2-0 defeat.

Although lucky not to be a goal down at half time, Harriers had battled gainly against their opponents from the North East.

But in the second half they slipped to their first league defeat of the season in five crazy minutes and a bad start to life on their travels.

First referee Michael Ryan ruled right-back Parfait Medou-Otye had pushed Barry Conlon in the box on 69 minutes.

Midfielder Mark Ford rifled home the penalty and then saw his team mates grab a second three minutes later.

Harriers were in disarray and Danny Mellanby despatched a left-wing cross with great comfort.

Salt was rubbed in Harriers' wounds on 74 minutes when Medou-Otye lost his discipline near the halfway line.

The defender was red carded for a rash stubs-first challenge on forward Conlon who had proved a real handful despite some poor finishing.

It was a poor way for Harriers to go into Tuesday's Worthington Cup first round tie at home to Preston.

And boss Jan Molby was not a happy man after the game, claiming the penalty should never have been given but then admitting his player's lost their cool after that.