MANAGER Ian Britton is encouraged by the 'good signs' Kidderminster Harriers are showing during their pre-season campaign despite last night's 2-0 friendly defeat against Walsall at Aggborough.

The Saddlers clinched victory with two well taken second half goals from substitute Gary Birch in front of a crowd of 1,742.

Afterwards, Britton said: "It was a good erformance first-half, but not so good second-half when we were a bit tired.

"But I can't fault them in the games we have played so far. I think second half it told a little bit after playing Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion's first teams and now Walsall's.

"First-half I thought we competed well and played just as much as them. I can't complain so far and there's a lot of good signs there to hold us in good stead for the season."

Although there were hints of shot shyness Harriers performed well during the first period with keeper Stuart Brock pulling off a couple of excellent saves to deny Paul Merson, who Produced several classy touches before being substituted after 55 minutes.

The former England star was involved in the build up which led to Birch breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute.

For Harriers Matt Lewis hammered a free kick just wide and Bo Henriksen had an effort well saved by substitute keeper Aaron Kerr before Walsall sealed victory when Birch finished off a perfect through ball by Darren Bazeley.

Both sides made several substitutions during the second half in which Harriers continued to struggle to find enetration against a solid Saddlers rearguard.

Kidderminster wrap up their pre-season programme at Hereford United on Saturday before opening their Nationwide League Division Three campaign at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday, August 9.