WORCESTER City’s new under 12s team were encouraged by their first outing at Kidderminster Harriers despite a 5-2 defeat.

The friendly was the first time the boys had played together in a match following trials and a few training sessions.

Thirteen turned out and after looking rusty early on went ahead when Harry Rebbeck latched onto a long ball to outpace the defence and slot home.

But Harriers responded quickly with an equaliser.

The second quarter of the game was probably City’s best period as the lively central midfield pairing of Harry Stone and Cameron Walters went close.

Stone brought a great save while Walters almost landed an early runner for goal of the season when his speculative 25-yard volley crashed back off the bar.

But Harriers went ahead when they netted a header from a corner and then scored two more.

It was honours even in the fourth quarter as Rebbeck slotted into the bottom corner from distance.

“There were plenty of positives to take from the game and the boys played very well considering it was their first time playing together and the warm conditions,” said head coach Jon Rebbeck.

City host Ferndale in pre-season on Saturday before their Junior Premier League campaign gets under way at Herefordshire RTC on September 9.