Kidderminster Harriers 1(1) v (1)2 Walsall

Harriers' pre-season unbeaten run was brought to an end by Walsall after The Saddlers came from behind to win 2-1 at Aggborough.

Stuart Watkiss made a few changes to the side that had beaten Wolves at the weekend, bringing in Danny Lewis in goal, giving a first start to Gareth Sheldon and introducing new trialist Lee Thompson to the midfield.  A dour game provided Harriers with another good workout; after the win over Wolves Watkiss had been pleased with the way Harriers played without the ball, and they had another chance to hone their defensive game as Walsall kept the ball and knocked it around well often.

Harriers stood up well to The Saddlers' attack when necessary, Mark Jackson and Daryl Burgess forming a promising partnership at the back.  There was little goalmouth action in the first 25 minutes; the best chances both fell to Sheldon who tried his luck with long range shots - one went wide one went tamely straight to the keeper.  Sheldon did better as provider a short while later; his cross into the danger area was met by Thompson whose shot was cleared off the line by the impressive Chris Westwood.

The deadlock was broken two minutes before the break; Michael Blackwood's cross from the left was met by Terry Fleming with a bullet diving header.  The joy was short-lived, however, as from Kris Taylor's right wing corner Westwood rose highest at the far post to head over Lewis.

The game was equally close in the second half, with few chances at either end.  Walsall went close to taking the lead just after the hour when Lewis was caught in no-man's-land but Jorge Leitao couldn't direct his header over him and when the loose ball dropped to Michael Standing he blasted it well wide.  The Saddlers did take the lead after 67 minutes; Taylor received the ball from the right and turned well before hitting a low shot the Lewis fumbled and allowed under his body into the back of the net.

Harriers, who by now had made a number of changes and brought on more youngsters and trialists, faced a new test in whether they would find a way back into the game or capitulate.  They responded well, didn't let their heads drop and prevented the visitors from adding to their lead.  Late on there were a couple of chances that fell Harriers' way; Steve Burton found himself in the opposition penalty area but shot wide after Blackwood had got in his way and then in the last minute Blackwood sent a long-range shot over the bar.