A SUBLIME Simon Russell goal illustrated the gulf in class as Kidderminster Harriers eased to a 5-0 win at Evesham United in last night's pre-season friendly.

Harriers' slick inter-passing and attacking 4-3-3 formation motored them into a 4-0 interval lead against the Southern League Premier Division new boys.

A quieter second-half in driving rain saw a younger Harriers line-up round off the scoring two minutes from time through trialist striker Gary McPhee.

Evesham made five changes from the team that drew 1-1 with Redditch United just two days before -- one of three impressive pre-season results against Nationwide North sides.

But although Harriers suffered defeat at Worcester City last week, a weaker line-up on paper took apart their hosts at Common Road with some style.

Evesham play a three-man back-line but found their defensive unit pulled all over the place by Harriers' strikers and midfielders.

And with the visitors' first chance on 13 minutes, Iyseden Christie buried the ball into the bottom corner after midfielder Gareth Sheldon, collecting a pass from recent signing Wayne Graves, had stormed into the area.

Rampaging Harriers grabbed a second four minutes later with Christie bursting down the left and pulling the ball back for Sheldon to tuck a low shot between the legs of goalkeeper Tim Clarke.

The veteran 'keeper denied Christie -- who will take some stopping in the Conference -- in the 27th minute but the rebound was rammed home by Russell.

Evesham countered but Jamie Bailey chose to shoot early and lobbed the ball just over.

Harriers then produced their best goal on 35 minutes when Russell moved in from the right-hand side of attack, held off a challenge and floated a 20-yard left-footed chip that left giant Harriers old boy Clarke clawing at thin air.

Clarke was in no danger of missing a Laurie Wilson free-kick on 56 minutes, tipping the ball over.

Evesham's increasingly frustrated forward Richard Ball missed his side's best chance 12 minutes from time after running free through the middle.

McPhee, who won some headers but largely had a quiet game, added Harriers' fifth late on by turning home sub Danny Ludlow's left-wing cross at the near post.

Tricky midfielder Kevin Street, who has been training with Kidderminster, played the whole game but boss Stuart Watkiss has already admitted he must prioritise other positions.

Evesham: Clarke; Cooper, Hamilton, Hands; Pinkney, Duncan, Robinson, Khela, Lawrence; Ball, Bailey. Subs used: Bowyer, Webb, Skyers, Dyke, Knurek.

Harriers: Lewis; Graves, Hurren, Corbett, Burton; Sheldon, Wilson, Street; Russell, McPhee, Christie. Subs used: Malcolm, Byrne, Thompson, Hollis, Astley, Ludlow.

Harriers go to Hinckley United tomorrow (3pm).