Chris Banks, the Cheltenham centre-back, was booked inside the second minute for pulling back the dangerous Broughton on the halfway line as Harriers tried to break away.
The initial exchanges were physical, as expected, with neither side getting into their stride.
But Harriers began to get on top and they won a corner in the 10th minute when Bird's cross was blocked by Victory after good work from the lively Bennett. Dean Bennett
Cheltenham failed to clear the set piece and right-back Clarkson lashed a volley wide from the edge of the area.
Bennett again shone on 11 minutes when he surged forward after a good passing move in midfield before drilling a long-range effort off target.
A saving header from Duff denied Broughton a clear sight of goal from a Bird cross.
Then Broughton got on the end of another cross but his header was plucked out of the air by keeper Book.
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