Harriers hit four goals past Leamington to record a 4-0 victory in National League North with their best performance of the season.

Boss Neil MacFarlane opted to keep with the same 16 that secured a point at Guiseley days previously – Joel Taylor keeping his place in the eleven at the expense of Sam Austin while Dan Bradley shook off a knock to ensure he also carried on in the team.

A lightning-fast beginning to the game in which both sides traded half chances, Williams and Johnson kept Breeden alert between the sticks with efforts of their own. With 18 on the clock, just after Daniels had seen a shot held, Harriers got themselves into the lead. A superb turn in the area from Chambers saw him free on goal, his shot saved well by the goalkeeper – but only to Bradley who, from close range, fired in the follow-up.

That looked to have stunned the home side, but if it didn’t then the second goal – coming just three minutes later – certainly did. Bradley turned provider by playing in Weeks who, from distance, rocketed a great drive that soared over Breeden and in off the bar.

Leamington had a couple of sights of goal as they tried to muster a response. Clarke had two efforts, one going off target and the other forcing a good, low parry from Hall as he dealt with the danger. Harriers always looked the bigger threat, though, and netted a third on 35 minutes when Chambers, in determined mood, bent an effort beyond Breeden and into the net.

There looked to be a moment of danger before the break when O’Connor unwittingly turned the ball on to his own bar, but Harriers had the same bar rattling two after the hour when Vaughan, played in by Williams, smashed in a rare goal to leave Breeden helpless.

Harriers then controlled much of the second half – surging forward when they could with Taylor and Richards firing over, while Bishop’s header up at the other end, into into the arms of Hall, was a rare opportunity for the hosts.

The game was seen out with minimum fuss and complete assurance for Harriers who wrapped up a solid few days on the road to get three points.

Harriers: Hall, Vaughan, Taylor, Horsfall, O’Connor, Johnson, Daniels, Weeks, Williams (Baxendale 73), Chambers (Richards 66), Bradley (Ironside 66).

Subs not used: Digie, Austin.

Attendance: 782 Referee: Scott Simpson