Harriers 1, Alfreton 3

LEE Fowler admitted ten men Harriers the price for complacency after Alfreton inflicted only their second home defeat on Saturday.

Aggborough has been a fortress for the Carpetmen this season but the battlements were breached for the first time in 11 matches after a stirring second half display by Nicky Law’s robust side.

Defeat seemed a million miles away after a one-sided first 45 minutes but a host of defensive lapses and Amari Morgan-Smith’s sending off proved to be disastrous for the home team.

“There has been an air of complacency creeping in, which will be addressed by the lads and definitely by the gaffer,” said Fowler.

Harriers were in complete control in the first half as unambitious Alfreton surrendered acres of space but only had Callum Gittings’ 17th minute left-footed drive to take into half-time as Joe Lolley and Fowler wasted good chances.

Worryingly Harriers’ fragility at the back allowed Alfreton a way back into the game.

Kidderminster have not kept a clean sheet in 14 games and when keeper Danny Lewis inexplicably missed a cross, ex-Harrier Michael Wylde stabbed home in the 52nd minute.

The situation worsened when Morgan-Smith was dismissed in the 66th for two unwanted Christmas cards.

The striker had picked up a needless yellow in the first half for shoving Nick Fenton, who had been booked for a cynical challenge on Gittings.

Alfreton’s skipper had been lucky to escape a second booking for a rough tackle on Mickey Demetriou, while Bradley Wood somehow escaped punishment, despite committing a slew of fouls.

But there was a hint of mis-fortune as Morgan-Smith tumbled clumsily into the path of Tom Shaw after tussling Dan Meadows.

While Harriers came to terms with the dismissal, Wylde stabbed the ball home 30 seconds after the re-start.

To rub salt into Harriers’ wounds, Jon Akinde ensured Alfeton completed a league double over Kidderminster when he slotted home an 88th minute penalty after being felled by Lewis.

HARRIERS: Lewis 6, Demetriou 5, Storer 6, Dunkley 6, FOWLER 7 (Malbon, 83), Gash 6, Jackman 6, Gittings 7, Lolley 6, Morgan-Smith 5, Gowling 6. Subs not used: Tolley, Grimes, Dance, N Vaughan.

ALFRETON: Worsnop, Wood, Franklin, Kempson, Wylde, Fenton, Westwood (Meadows, 46), Bradley, Shaw, Rowe-Turner, Akinde. Subs not used: Taylor, Clayton, Wishart, McFadzean. Referee: Chris Kavanagh. Attendance: 1,834 (57)