KIDDERMINSTER Harriers dropped into the bottom four of the Conference after losing by a single goal at the Kit Kat Crescent.

Clayton Donaldson scored the only goal of the game just before the half-time interval to leave Harriers at the wrong end of the table with five defeats and three draws from their first nine games.

The hosts were on top for much of the match and had the best early chance when Lewis McMahon's went close with a free-kick.

Defender Mark Creighton, still looking for his first goal in a Harriers shirt, had a header saved by goalkeeper Tom Evans in the early part of the match.

York went on the offensive again though and Martin Woodford's cross was headed goalwards by Craig Farrell, with goalkeeper Scott Bevan saving well.

Luke Reynolds came close to scoring for Harriers but they found themselves trailing shortly afterwards when the ever-dangerous Donaldson drifted past Jeff Kenna and Stuart Whitehead and drilled a low shot beyond Bevan.

Farrell spurned a good opportunity early in the second period when he was set up by Donaldson.

Harriers' defenders then came to the rescue of Bevan as he punched the ball towards his own net.

Creighton then went close again at the other end but the defender's effort was just over the bar.

Late in the match, striker Iyseden Christie went close for Harriers but he mis-hit his shot after seizing on a weak back-pass from York debutant Danny Parslow.

Boss Mark Yates pulled no punches after the game. He said: "I'm never usually one for coming out and criticising my own players but they need to take a long hard look at themselves.

"To concede such a terrible game before half-time was just unacceptable.With no hard work you don't get any luck and York deserved it."