Bristol Rovers 1, Harriers 1

THE coffers at Aggborough may be empty but if spirit was a tangible currency, Harriers would be wealthier than Manchester City.

If manager Gary Whild’s decision to reveal all at last week’s fans’ forum was designed to win over a minority of unhappy fans and galvanise his players then it was mission accomplished at the Memorial Ground.

A 287-strong travelling contingent were vociferous in their support for the Reds, who can count themselves unlucky not to record a third away win of the season in the Vanarama Conference.

Bristol, still recovering from their surprise relegation from SkyBet League Two last summer, average over 5,000 fans at home, but Kidderminster bridged the wealth gap with one of their best displays of the season.

One look at the subs benches illustrated the contrast in resources. While Pirates boss Darrell Clarke had the luxury of bringing on quality players like Matty Taylor, Harriers’ options were callow.

With Jared Hodgkiss suspended, Kyle Storer injured and a host of players loaned out to reduce the wage bill, they had all but one of their senior players on the pitch.

Callum Gitings was on the bench but Jake Green, Tyrone Williams (back from a spell from Romulus), Reece Hales and Ahmed Obeng boasted just 13 Reds appearances between them.

After weathering a tough 15 minutes, Kidderminster were the better side and took the lead in the 67TH minute, when Nathan Blissett muscled his way through a static defence to powerfully head home from Craig Reid’s corner.

After watching his side lose the initiative in the first period, Clarke made all three changes early in the second half and it was replacement Taylor who slid in to convert an incisive low cross from Fulham loan ranger Lyle Della-Verde, who was making his debut, in the 83rd minute.

“I thought the support was fantastic,” praised Whild.

“The lads did the supporters proud and vice versa, it was just a pity we couldn’t give them three points.

“With a big home crowd you expect Rovers to come firing out of the traps but I think we did well to hold them off and grew into the game.

“We deserved our goal and it was just a shame we didn’t see it through.”

HARRIERS: Lewis 7, Dunkley 7, Byrne 7, Reid 7 (Hales, 88), Blissett 8, GRIMES 8, Verma 7, Robinson 7, Nicholson 7, Gowling 7. Subs not used: Green, Obeng, Williams, Gittings.

BRISTOL: Mildenhall, Lockyer, McChrystal, Parkes, Brown, Della Verde, Mansell, Sinclair, Martin (Taylor, 46), Brunt (Harrison, 61), White (Clarke, 46). Subs not used: Puddy, Balanta. Referee: Brett Huxtable. Att: 5,848 (287)