KIDDERMINSTER Harriers reserves hit the top of the Central Conference League after a crushing 5-1 victory over county rivals Worcester City at Aggborough on Wednesday night.

Harriers may have fielded a more experienced line-up but their non-league opponents could call on the likes of defender Chris Greenman, midfielder Paul Carty and forward Micky Cotter.

However, it proved a fruitful night for Jan Molby's trialists who were doing their best to earn a contract at the club when the squad is reduced.

Big French striker Frederic Bonniface was on target in his latest step to reaching match fitness after being freed by Scottish side Clyde.

Midfielder Michael Fowler, a Welsh 19-year-old Crystal Palace professional, also scored, while left-sided defender Thomas Cudworth, of Coventry City, had a comfortable debut.

Keeper Graham Abel, a former Stockport County youth, particularly caught the eye with a competent display between the posts and some good saves when called upon.

Yet Harriers fell behind after only eight minutes when Abel was quick to block a great chance for Carl Tranter only for midfield man Lee Goodman to follow up and drive the loose ball into the net.

But a good move pulled the visitors level on 20 minutes when Lee Ayres released Andy Corbett down the right and he slid a low cross for Dane Thomas Skovbjerg to tap home.

It was Skovbjerg's latest game back in his recovery from a knee injury but he only played the first half.

Nine minutes later, Harriers were ahead when Bonniface cleverly dummied Cudworth's pass and Fowler got in behind the defence to slip a confident finish under Paul Wyatt.

Dean Bennett, who lined up with another transfer-listed player in centre-back Paul Webb, put Harriers 3-1 up in the second half with a crisp left-foot finish just inside the box.

And Bonniface at last got his name on the scoresheet, tapping home a fine left-wing pass from substitute Tim Jackson ten minutes from time.

Out-of-favour forward Tony Bird had entered the fray for assistant boss Gary Barnett and he added the final goal, putting the final touch to a Jackson cross that Corbett flicked on in the 86th minute.

Harriers: Abel; Davies, Webb, Ayres, Cudworth; Skovbjerg (Jackson 46), Bennett, Fowler, Barnett (Bird 68); Corbett, Bonniface. Subs not used: Poston, Cunnington, Clarke.