KIDDERMINSTER Harriers overcame a determined Telford United side 2-0 to get the new year off to a winning start.

Goals from Andre Brown and sub Andre Wright wrapped up an accomplished National League North derby success for the hosts who also had three penalty shouts turned down.

Harriers enjoyed most of the ball early on and quickly got their passing game going on a slick Aggborough pitch.

James Pearson headed over and United keeper Jasbir Singh palmed away Elton Ngwatala’s dipping effort.

Pearson failed to sweep home Jimmy O’Connor’s header back across goal as Harriers struggled to break down determined Telford.

Their task was made harder when livewire winger Mani Sonupe was forced off with an ankle injury.

Harriers needed something more in the final third and finally got it on 40 minutes when Brown provided the finish to Ngwatala’s whipped cross from the left.

In first-half stoppage time, referee Scott Simpson turned down Pearson’s penalty shout.

Harriers’ injury issues got worse as Andre Wright replaced Brown at half-time.

Like the first half, they dominated the ball in the second period without hurting the away side.

Joel Taylor had a penalty shout turned down and was instead booked for diving.

Telford, who drew 0-0 at home to Harriers on Boxing Day, looked for a leveller and the game opened up.

But Harriers had perhaps their strongest penalty claim waved away by Simpson on 68 minutes when Liam Truslove was body-checked in the area.

However, they finally bagged the vital second goal in the 73rd minute when Wright reacted quickest to fire home after Truslove’s powerful drive was spilt by Singh.

Telford’s best opening was passed up by ex-Worcester City forward Jordan Murphy with Brandon Hall saving well.

Fellow sub Elliot Newby rattled the bar with a curled effort but Harriers defended well to see off the threat.

Kidderminster remain seventh and now face two away trips to Leamington and Chorley.

Harriers: Hall, Pearson, Austin, Croasdale, Horsfall, O’Connor, Sonupe (Taylor 25), McQuilkin, Brown (Wright 45), Ngwatala, Truslove (Williams 85). Unused subs: Smith, Palmer.

Attendance: 2,201.