Friday, July 19, 2002

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers suffered their first pre-season defeat when they went down 4-2 to First Division Reading at Aggborough last night.

The Royals took the lead in the 12th minute through Nicky Forster, but Harriers hit back seven minutes later when striker Drewe Broughton bundled the ball in from close range following a Lee Ayres free-kick.

Bo Henriksen put Kidderminster in front after half-an-hour with a dipping shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Reading equalised three minutes before half-time when a cross from Foster spun off Aggborough newcomer Sean Parrish and ended up in the net.

Harriers made a number of substitutes after the break when Reading sealed victory with goals from Martin Butler (53 minutes) and John Salako (58).

Watched by a crowd of 814, manager Ian Britton's men created several good openings but were unable to add the final touches.

Tomorrow they are involved in another friendly at Dr Martens Western Division side Solihull Borough (3pm).