ADIE Smith admitted Kidderminster Harriers just could not deal with big forward Matt Clarke who sealed their fate on Saturday.

Harriers were well set to win the Division Three clash at Darlington until Clarke's two goals sentenced them to an away defeat.

Apart from Bo Henriksen's superb goal, one of the few bright spots was the performance of the returning Smith.

The versatile former Bromsgrove man had been out since late November after an ankle operation but it barely looked as if he had been away.

Long-serving Smith, 29, said: "It was just nice to get back into the side though my fitness wasn't the best. It's up to the gaffer now whether I continue to play.

"We've slipped up now in the last two games and are very disappointed. We needed something from this game but it's just gone to pot.

"We have had our chances to be there or thereabouts but we need to be a stronger side mentally and physically.

"In the first half we were the better side without a doubt and the gaffer has told us that this is a win-able game and we should come out with three points.

"We've gone a goal in front but then they've pushed the big man up front and we just couldn't deal with it.

"We just sat back off them and their second goal was a killer for us. We had no reply."

Boss Ian Britton was unhappy with his players and did not speak to them straight after the game.

He admitted he was fed up of telling them the same things and was tired of conceding goals from crosses.

Britton said: "We haven't got the people who can deal with it. At 1-0 up, we looked very comfortable. I was thinking we were going to get a good result but we just threw it away."

But the manager did have good words for Smith, adding: "Smudger came in and did very well. He made us a lot more solid.

"I thought Bo played well too and scored a goal that was good enough to win the game.

"But generally I expect more from not just the midfielders but all of the players.

"I feel as though I'm banging my head against a brick wall. Once again, we conceded two goals to crosses.

"We just have to keep working on the same things and hopefully score more goals than the other team."