KIDDERMINSTER Harriers eight-match run without defeat in the National League North came to an end last night after they were undone by lowly Kettering Town at Aggborough.

Harriers had been beaten just once in the league, back in early October, before Tuesday evening's 2-0 home defeat.

Two second half goals were enough in the end to halt Harriers' brilliant run on a night that rarely saw the home side threaten to make a breakthrough.

The Reds are now four points adrift of league leaders Gloucester City but still have two games in hand and manager Russ Penn was keen to not lose track of the positive start to the campaign.

"We take one game at a time and of course I'm disappointed," Penn said to Harriers' YouTube channel on Tuesday evening.

"We probably rode our luck a few times in the ten-game spell.

"But what we have been is very threatening going forward - there were sparks tonight (Tuesday) but not enough.

"Ten games in and 20 points; if you'd offered me that after the first game against Chester, of course I'd have snapped your hand off.

"We looked a bit laboured, not tired or fatigued, I don't use that as an excuse, everyone in this league is in the same boat.

"We know how to rectify what went wrong tonight, which is a positive, we know what to do to move forward.

"As a whole this season I'm delighted, but I'm not delighted with tonight."

A quiet first half offered few chances of note, but an early sight of goal from Kettering almost saw Michael Richens pull off the spectacular as his overhead kick from 20 yards flew narrowly over.

Both sides looked good on the ball and worked openings well but neither excelled at making it count - Ashley Hemmings' shot over the bar as close as the hosts came.

Sam Austin nodded wide as the Reds tried to find a way through but they couldn't find the breakthrough as the half-time whistle blew.

Just before the hour mark was when the away side took the lead as the vastly experienced Kyle Perry did well to control the ball and drive it across the face of goal where fellow veteran Luke Graham angled a low finish into the net.

Penn made changes to try and get the hosts back in the game but while Kettering stood firm at one end, they remained a threat at the other and the second-goal came on the 70th minute to all but seal the deal.

Perry nodded into the path of Connor Kennedy who charged through the Harriers half before cutting inside and burying a finish into the far corner.

Harriers now have a ten-day rest between fixtures and will next take to the field against Gateshead on December 12.