Harriers 0, Tranmere 2 

INJURY hit Harriers were shot down by a James Norwood brace as play-off chasing Tranmere took the points on Bank Holiday Monday.

Kidderminster were missing a host of attacking players and despite a spirited second half display, could not break down a well-drilled Rovers team.

Defeat left the Reds bottom of the Vanarama National League, with the gap to safety now 12 points.

Harriers were forced into a host of changes after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Woking.

Arthur Gnahoua (ankle) and Ben Whitfield (sickness) were missing, while Luke Maxwell and Jared Hodgkiss were dropped to the bench.

That saw centre back Kelvin Langmead moved to lead the line for Kidderminster, while Jordan Tunnicliffe and Omari Patrick were drafted in.

In one boost for the club, Elton Ngwatala made his first start since picking up a knee injury against Eastleigh.

Harriers had the game's first chance in the tenth minute when Lewis Kinsella delivered a curling free-kick and Langmead's header forced keeper Scott Davies into a save.

Norwood was Tranmere's biggest threat and he tested keeper Max O'Leary, making his home debut, with a low effort.

But the striker took advantage of statuesque defending to fire the away side ahead in the 15th minute.

O'Leary and the defence were caught balling watching Michael Ihiekewe's hanging ball and Norwood stole in to fire home from close range.

Kidderminster tried to reply and Lamgmead tested Davies with a far post header.

But Rovers' dangerman should have doubled their lead in the 21st minute when he raced down the right wing but rolled his effort beyond the far post.

Norwood then volleyed a difficult 27th minute effort over the bar.

Harriers were struggling to find their rhythm but Kinsella flashed a rising 30-yard effort over the bar on the half hour mark.

Once again the home side's goal lived a charmed life as Tranmere created a host of chances to increase their lead, in a frantic 43rd minute.

O'Leary denied Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Tyrone Williams cleared off the line as Norwood stole in.

Rovers' main threat then stretched to meet Jeff Hughes' raking cross but could not quite reach it.

The hosts started the second half brightly but for all their possession, they failed to penetrate a well-drilled a rovers defence.

Colin Gordon threw on Hodgkiss and Garnett for Tunnicliffe and Patrick respectively on the hour mark in a bid to pep up the hosts.

Kidderminster continued to hog the ball and probe Tranmere's rugged back line.

A good cross from Kinsella caused concern for the away side but a stretching Langmead was a fraction offside.

Tranmere had bene stifled by the hosts but they created a good chance in the 82nd minute.

Substitute Scott Fenwick raced into the box but the alert O'Leary spread himself wide to make a fine save.

O'Leary continued his heroics in the 86th minute when he denied Norwood, who took advantage of Hodgkiss's' lapse in concentration.

Despite all their possession, the home side were unable to find a way through and Norwood made sure of the points with a fine effort in the 93rd minute.

The in-form hitman flicked the ball over Keith Lowe before racing into the box and driving the ball in the back of the net.

Harriers: O'Leary, Langmead, Patrick (Garnett, 66), Tunnicliffe (Hodgkiss, 60), Kinsella, Jones (Maxwell, 71), Williams, Fane, Lowe, McQuilkin, Ngwatala.

Subs not used: Snedker, Taylor.

Tranmere: Davies, Jennings, Vaughan, Harris, Taylor-Fletcher (Fenwick, 76), Norwood, Ihiekewe, Hill, Hughes, Kirby (Mackreth, 84), McNulty.

Subs not used: Turner, Riley, Higdon.

Referee: Evans (Manchester) Attendance: 2,744 (797)