Harriers gave a solid defensive performance to record their ninth win in ten Conference games despite having Sean Clancy sent off.

Kyle Storer returned to the side in place of the injured Keith Briggs while Anthony Malbon came back in to replace the departed Jamille Matt. After an even start to the game Harriers took the lead after 21 minutes; Callum Gittings was fouled just outside the penalty area and Mickey Demetriou despatched the free-kick around the wall and just inside Alan Marriott's right-hand post.

After Malbon had brought a full-length save from Marriott Harriers doubled their advantage; Lee Vaughan picking up the ball on the right inside the penalty area and lashed a shot across the ace of goal into the far corner. The dangerous Matt Green, who had already hit the frame of the goal in the opening exchanges tested Danny Lewis with a free-kick that beat the wall but the keeper was equal to it.

Clearly having had a rollicking at half-time Mansfield were fired up after the beak and enjoyed the lion's share of possession but the Harriers back line were equal to everything that they could muster. Despite creating a number of chances and forcing a lot of free-kicks and corners they never looked capable of getting the goal that would get them back into the game.

Harriers were forced to endure even more pressure for the last fifteen minutes when they were reduced to ten men after Clancy was dismissed following a reckless challenge on Lee Beevers five minutes after coming on as a substitute. Even with just ten men on the pitch, though Harriers could have increased their lead, Gittings firing over after former Harrier Exodus Geohaghon's wayward pass came straight to him.

Victory moves Harriers back up into the play-off positions and leaves Mansfield needing to win three of their four games in hand just to catch up.