KIDDERMINSTER Harriers opened their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 victory against Evesham United at Common Road on Saturday.

In sweltering conditions, and watched by a crowd of 356, only a fine double save by Stuart Brock presented Grant Pinkney and then Wesley Joyce from giving the Robins an early lead.

Harriers, parading several trialists, were quick to reply and Craig Ladek twice denied them with brave saves at the feet of former Evesham striker Matt Lewis.

On 28 minutes, though, the busy Lewis was to get his reward.

He was given time in the United penalty area and despite Ladek getting a hand to his shot, the ball struck the base of an upright and trickled over the line.

Evesham hit back and were unlucky not to equalise when Joyce hit the Harriers post with Brock beaten.

The woodwork then came to Eves-ham's rescue when Dean Bennett powered a header against the crossbar from Nick Heath's cross.

Early in the second half youngster Adam Blake had his shot saved by Harriers substitute keeper John Danby but on 55 minutes United drew level.

Jay Powell rose unchallenged to net with a looping header over the stranded Danby.

On the hour, Damion Quailey, a second half substitute for Ladek, brilliantly touched over a deflected drive by John Williams and soon after Danny Williams should have done better when faced with an open goal.

Harriers fitness level proved to be the match winner as they went on to score twice in the last ten minutes.

In the 80th minute Williams had time to pick his spot and beat Quailey with a low drive from 12 yards and then in the last minute he turned provider when his low cross was swept in from close range by Eliot Paschalis.

The outcome was probably a fair reflection on the proceedings and Phil Mullen and Ian Britton, the respective managers, can look at a number of positives to come out of the game to suggest that both sides can look forward with optimise to the season ahead.

n Yesterday Kidderminster won 1-0 in a friendly at Midland Alliance outfit Stratford Town.

As in Saturday's match at Evesham they used several trialists and also fielded a different line-up in each half.

Harriers clinched victory with seven minutes remaining.

Mark Danks made his way to the left hand byeline and managed to pull the ball back into the goalmouth where trialist Graham Ward was perfectly positioned to force the ball over the line from close range.