PHIL Mullen was upbeat about his squad's efforts despite Monday's 4-0 opening friendly defeat at the hands of one of his former clubs, writes Mervyn Collins.

Kidderminster brought a full strength side to Common Road and the final result flattered the Nationwide League side who scored twice in each half to see off a spirited Evesham challenge.

"We applied ourselves well against experienced opponents," the United manager admitted. "Results are not really important at this stage but it was good for the lads to play against league opponents in order to appreciate how they approach the game.

"I tried to keep a level balance while giving everyone a game and, in that respect, it worked well because we lost both halves 2-0," he laughed.

Shaun Pratt fired a dipping drive inches over after a typical surging run and Grant Pinkney's first half free-kick struck the Harriers bar.

However, it was the visitors who found the net six minutes before the break when Evesham born Andy Ducros lobbed over the advancing Darren Steadman.

United were forced to reorganise when Jay Powell was helped off with concussion and Kidderminster doubled their lead after Bo Henriksen had hit the woodwork when Drewe Broughton again took advantage of a ball over the top.

Evesham forced three early corners after the restart and striker Gareth Hopkins curled a 25-yarder narrowly wide.

Adam Moss, United's third keeper on the night after Steadman and Craig Ladek, denied Ducros but was beaten twice in the last ten minutes when Andy Corbett and Sam Shilton netted.

Two players who came through United's youth system, Pete Sollis and Luke Tovey, are back at the club, while Mullen also introduced another couple of youngsters alongside several trial players.

The players will now step up training in readiness for three matches in six days. Saturday brings a visit to Brintons, it's off to Willenhall next Tuesday before Tamworth visit Com-mon Road next Thursday (7.45).