Kidderminster Harriers 2(2) v (1)1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

First half goals from Simon Russell and Iyseden Christie helped Harriers to an impressive third pre-season win in a row beating a strong Wolves side at a sun-soaked Aggborough.

Fielding an unchanged side from the one that started against Bromsgrove in midweek Harriers started in lively fashion and already after just two games are starting to show far more solidity and organisation than for most of last season. The additions of Wayne Evans and Daryl Burgess at the back and Martyn O'Connor in midfield area already making clear improvements.

Harriers should have taken an early lead in the first couple of minutes when Michael Blackwood had a shot blocked by former Harrier Paul Jones but there was nobody on hand to capitalise on the loose ball.  Russell played a good ball in from the right to Christie shortly afterwards but the big striker lobbed his effort just wide.

The opening goal came in the 20th minute; Laurie Wilson got to the byline on the left and pulled the ball back to the near post, Jones spilled it again and this time Russell was on hand to stab it home. Seven minutes later Harriers doubled their advantage; Blackwood played the ball through the inside-left channel to Christie who spotted Jones off his line and lobbed the ball over him from 25 yards.

While Harriers were still celebrating their second goal Wolves hit straight back; Sammy Clingan whipped in a dangerous cross from the left and Carl Cort ghosted in at the near post to deftly guide a glancing header past John Danby.

The second half was more of the same; Wolves looked dangerous in attack, particularly from the wings from where they delivered a number of good crosses - fortunately for Harriers there was rarely anybody in a goalscoring position to capitalise.  Wilson had a good chance to increase Harriers' advantage with a 20-yard free kick that beat the wall and was heading for the top corner until Jones made up for his earlier mistakes tipping it away for a corner.

Jones was called into action again by Russell who had been set free on the left by Christie's flick on, the Welshman pushing his shot away for another corner.  Wolves were not out of the game completely and went close to an equaliser when Clingan's long pass found Chris Cornes on the right; his cross into the goalmouth should have been forced home but Burgess was on hand to clear the danger before a Wolves striker could pounce.

Despite the introduction of a number of youngster by Stuart Watkiss in the latter stages Harriers continued to play well.  Gavin Hurren took the place of O'Connor in the centre of the field, Ryan Moss came on for Christie in attack and Gareth Sheldon and Russ Penn replaced the wingers Russell and Blackwood all with little detriment to the shape of the team.