TWO late Andy Scott goals punished Kidderminster Harriers for not making the most of their first-half chances on New Year's Day.

Harriers, fresh from a confidence-boosting 2-0 win at Oxford United, impressed with slick football to take a 1-0 advantage into the interval at Leyton Orient.

But they then played second fiddle to play-off chasing Orient, sitting back to try and fend off a tremendous amount of pressure.

With Harriers' poor goal difference this season, the potential was always there for cracks to show and they perhaps lacked some of the fortune that had benefited them at Oxford.

Wide midfielder Scott put Orient back on level terms with 16 minutes left, unleashing a low 20-yard drive through a crowd of players to give 'keeper John Danby no chance.

And he swooped again in the 85th minute to completely break Harriers' resistance as the visitors strived for a valuable point in their relegation fight.

They failed to defend Matt Lockwood's dangerous cross and Scott drove home a winner to shatter a determined show from Watkiss' men.

In the first-half, Dean Keates volleyed a good chance wide before Harriers took the lead on 11 minutes with top-scorer Ian Foster's sixth goal of the season.

Gary Birch, capitalising on neat build-up play from Keates and Tom Bennett, saw his shot blocked but the recalled Foster pounced to fire in the rebound from 12 yards.

Keates hit the post from 20 yards and Blair Sturrock's follow-up forced an excellent save from Lee Harrison.

Lone forward Sturrock, searching for his third goal in as many games since signing, then fired over the bar when he should have done better and demanded another fine Harrison save.

But that vital second goal eluded Harriers though Watkiss was encouraged by his side's growing resilience.

He said: "I do believe we are a harder team to beat now. I can't knock the lads for their effort but we need to get some points on the board.

"I'm disappointed because we had some great chances in the first-half and should have come in three or four goals up at half-time."

Harriers: Danby 7; Jenkins 6, Mullins 7, Weaver 7, Beswetherick 6; Russell 6, Birch 6 (Gleeson 86), Bennett 7, *Keates 8, Foster 7; Sturrock 7 (Beardsley 79). Subs not used: Lewis, Burton, Burns.

Attendance: 3,573.

Harriers have added former Peterborough and Orient winger Dave Morrison, 30, on non-contract terms after he left Irish side Bohemians. He will be available for Saturday's game with Lincoln City.