GARY Whild praised his hat-trick of academy starlets after Harriers drew 1-1 and saw local rivals AFC Telford relegated.

Rookie hitman Jordan Harrison made his debut in place of the unwell Lee Hughes, while Luke Maxwell and Kennedy Digie played in midfield.

Harriers battled back from behind and saw Callum Gittings cap a fine display with a deserved leveller in the 78th minute.

"We had a few little issues with illnesses and injuries so we were missing a few, so it was good to see the young lads give a good account of themselves," commented Kidderminster's manager.

"They did us proud and in a game where we undeservedly fell behind, they showed a little bit of character.

"I thought Luke Maxwell, Kennedy Digie and Jordan Harrison did great.

"Jordan was a bit nervous but he's got a good work ethic and he showed a little bit of composure and didn't look out of place. They were all a credit to the club."

Harriers' opponents needed three points to keep their remote chances of escaping relegation alive.

With Wrexham defeating Alfreton 4-0, a win would have seen the Bucks live to fight another day but Gittings' goal sealed their return to Conference North.

Whild added: "Telford are a big club and you would like to see them in the Conference Premier.

"in all fairness, the damage was done a long time ago, it just happened to be us which sealed their fate.

"It was important for us to come here on the back of our win over Braintree and give the fans something to cheer about."