HARTLEPOOL 2 HARRIERS 1

THERE was no defending Kidderminster Harriers' back-line after a comprehensive Division Three defeat at leaders Hartlepool United.

Though the score-line may have read 2-1, Harriers could easily have been humiliated in this match.

Mike Newell's men stormed the visitors' defence in the first half and better finishing would have killed the game off by the interval.

But Harriers, aided by the fine shot-stopping of keeper Stuart Brock, were somehow left clinging onto a possible result throughout this encounter.

And on 73 minutes loan striker Andy Bishop, making his first Football League start, had the chance to rescue a point.

But Bishop, who played well considering the circumstances, screwed the ball wide after Drewe Broughton headed down Sean Flynn's cross.

Harriers were 2-0 down inside 16 minutes after a nightmare start against one of the best sides they will face this season.

After just four minutes, Hartlepool's Marcus Richardson sent Ritchie Humphreys bursting into acres of space from midfield.

Humphreys, celebrating his 25th birthday, drilled a calm, low finish past Brock from just inside the penalty area.

Harriers, with only one win in six games since boss Ian Britton received his October manager of the month award, fell apart again soon after.

Darrell Clarke's flicked header gave Eifion Williams plenty of room on the right and he picked midfielder Mark Tinkler out for a simple chance from 12 yards.

Shell-shocked Harriers then saw Richardson head over the bar before the big forward forced Brock into a low save.

The keeper blocked excellently from Williams as the striker looked set to fire a third from 15 yards on 32 minutes.

But Harriers, who retained a patient passing game with little threat, struck the woodwork six minutes before half-time.

Determined work from Bishop gave Broughton the chance to turn and shoot but Anthony Williams' right-hand post saved Hartlepool.

Harriers, clearly relieved not to be further behind, quickly found their way back into the game two minutes after the interval.

And it was a great first goal for the club by the hard-working Sean Parrish who directed a brilliant top-corner chip over the keeper from Bo Henriksen's pass.

However, despite the scare with the Bishop miss, Hartlepool held out professionally for the three points and clearly still look strong promotion bets despite the loss of previous manager Chris Turner.

Brock tipped over a good chance for E Williams on 52 minutes but other home attacks were often frustrated by the flag of the assistant referee as Harriers began to look more organised.

As Britton stated afterwards, the likes of Rushden and Hartlepool have very efficient players in the right areas.

While Harriers continue to concede two goals a game as they have done with worrying consistency this month, even mid-table will be a hopeful aim.

HARTLEPOOL: A Williams; Barron, Lee, Westwood, Barry-Murphy; Clarke (Bass 90), Tinkler, Humphreys, Smith (Widdrington 76); E Williams, Richardson. Subs: Provett, Istead, Boyd.

HARRIERS: Brock 7; Hinton 5, Ayres 5, Joy 5; Bennett 5, FLYNN 8, D Williams 6, Parrish 7; Henriksen 6 (Shilton 82); Broughton 6, Bishop 6. Subs: Danby, Doyle, Coleman, Khela.

ATTENDANCE: 4,296.

SHOTS ON: Hartlepool 6, Harriers 3.

SHOTS OFF: Hartlepool 6, Harriers 7.

CORNERS: Hartlepool 10, Harriers 3.

GOALS: Humphreys 4, Tinkler 16, Parrish 47.

YELLOW CARDS: Hartlepool 1 (Clarke), Harriers 3 (Henriksen, Joy, Williams).

SHUTTLE STAR MAN: Sean Flynn. Ian Britton thought his skipper was immense in midfield and Flynn did stand out with a gutsy display. Spent the second half constantly harassing and tackling opponents as well as passing the ball around well.