Kidderminster show their class in a 4-1 mauling at Alfreton

The Harriers’ unbeaten run goes to six as they continue to chase the run-away pack, whilst Alfreton suffer back-to-back defeats for the third time this season.

As the Harriers made just their third away trip in their last nine games, these two are no strangers to each other. Having played in the same division in 10 of the last 11 seasons with Kidderminster finishing above the hosts in nine of the 10 occasions.

Kiddy took the first step into extending that record. From Matt Rhead’s half a chance at one end to Kidderminster taking the lead at the other. Skipper Sam Austin’s first touch opened the space for him just inside the area and his rifle-like right foot did the rest arrowing into the top corner.

The Reds’ first real opportunity fell to the man in-form. Rhead’s flick-on went beyond the oncoming Bailey Hobson and through to Dayle Southwell. Ushered outwide by Caleb Richards his low-driven effort dragged narrowly wide of the goal.

Chances kept coming Alfreton’s way. Jordan Clackstone’s delivery pinpointed onto the head of Rhead but he couldn’t keep it down. Five minutes later, Yusifu Ceesay skipped inside of Alex Penny sliding as he took the shot but failing to trouble Luke Simpson.

Russ Penn’s men would double their lead through the same man. Danny Preston missing a crucial interception in the middle, with Ashley Hemmings emerging with it and driving at the Alfreton defence. A powerful strike was palmed away by George Willis but the man-of-the-moment was there at the rebound to slot home his second and fifth of the season.

Kidderminster would add yet more blood to the bath. Omari Sterling found space 35 yards out and launched a rocket past a hopeless Willis. He, too, joined Austin on the tally of five for the season.

Connor Branson would answer Billy Heath’s call for a plumber. He headed in from a looping corner to stop the taps and give Alfreton much-needed relief from the Harries onslaught.

A new half of the football, but the same story. Alex Penny stabbed through to an on-rushing Amari Morgan-Smith who found himself beyond the Alfreton backline. With all the time in the world, he slid home a Kidderminster fourth. His first league goal of the season would come at his old stomping ground. How cruel.

Four goals away from home? Clearly not enough as a fifth was more likely than an Alfreton consolation. Sterling was inches away from besting his earlier goal with a long-range free-kick that clipped the bar. Richards then came close to capping off an excellent team move only to be denied by the legs of Willis.

Despite increased urgency from Alfreton, their attacks lacked any sort of potency. Rhead’s magnetic connection with any lumped ball forward had minimal success with Southwell and Hobson looking distant throughout.

Kidderminster remain in fourth, but after such a spirited and professional display at a side which haven’t lost at home since late August, you can see why many tip them to be in and around the top come the end of the season.