ASSISTANT manager Jimmy O’Connor insisted Harriers would not dwell on Jim Kellermann’s moment of madness against Leamington.

Kellermann had come on midway through the second half of a 1-1 draw with the Brakes in National North but kicked out at rival Joe Clarke when the duo landed together during a midfield tussle.

The incident happened close enough to the dugouts to give the Harriers midfielder no hiding place when it came to the post-match assessment.

“It was very disappointing,” said assistant boss Jimmy O’Connor.

“The lad apologised straight away, fair play to him but it doesn’t mean it is right.

"We are gutted to be without him for the next couple of games (through suspension) now and he is gutted because he was getting closer and closer to a starting place.

“We are not happy but you have to get on with it, the lad has apologised and we move on.”

Kidderminster had plenty of the play, particularly in the first half, but Leamington had by far the better chances at Aggborough.

Kaiman Anderson started and finished the first meaningful move of the match to hand the visitors a fifth-minute lead.

The ex-Shrewsbury Town youngster played through Jack Edwards whose shot was charged down by the outstretched leg of keeper Luke Simpson only for Anderson to drive the rebound into the roof of the net.

Harriers had started well enough before that and kept probing, levelling through a slick move in the 15th minute.

Ashley Hemmings spread out to Sam Austin who had taken his colleague’s position on the right to leave Stefan Morley on the ground and dink to the far post for Koby Arthur to crash in from close range.

The hosts had more of the play but chances were few and far between, Sam Osborne drifting across goal for the Brakes and Hemmings arcing just wide of the near post with a free-kick at the other end.

Leamington had a host of openings as Kidderminster wobbled at the start of the second half, Osborne firing into the side netting, Simeon Maye mugging Keith Lowe before being thwarted at the near post by Simpson and Anderson then being denied at the near post as Simpson raced from his line and spread himself well.

The tempo got more brisk and the game more open as Alex Prosser’s shot from distance was helped on its way by away keeper Jake Weaver, while Junior English was a fraction away from converting Osborne’s tantalising low free-kick for Leamington.

Jack Lane, Weaver and Morley combined to deny Austin, the latter clearing off the line midway through the second half after a shot had ricocheted around the goalmouth.

Harriers went down to 10 men 12 minutes from time and star performer Simpson was called upon again to deny Edwards and Junior English in quick succession, scampering across his goal after the first save to stop what seemed a certain second for the Brakes.

But the anticipated onslaught did not arrive and it was Harriers that looked the likelier to snatch victory at the death, firing in a series of crosses without managing to test Weaver further.

“The draw was probably about right," added O’Connor.

"Finishing the game with 10 men as well, we have to take it and move forward.

“We have been excellent of late, we were not quite at the races but the character the lads showed to come back from behind again was great.

“It was a gritty, horrible game but it is important to come away with something.

"In the past we would have come away with a defeat, I am not saying we’re happy with drawing but the first thing is to make sure you don’t lose.”

Harriers: Simpson, Penny, Lowe, Taylor (Moyo, 62), Richards, Prosser, Montrose, Hemmings (Maxwell, 83), Austin, Arthur (Kellerman, 68), Morgan-Smith.

Unused subs: Freemantle, Palmer (g/k).

Leamington: Weaver, English, Lane, Morrison, Morley, Clarke, Maye, Osborne, Edwards, Anderson (Meredith, 86), Smith (Waldron, 69).

Unused subs: Martin, Gittings, Taylor.