Cheltenham midfielder Howells was sensationally sent off on 25 minutes for violent conduct after an off-the-ball incident with Broughton.

Harriers Bennett then tested Book with a low drive from fully 40 yards that the keeper gathered at the second attempt.

Broughton wrestled his way past Banks in the inside right channel on 34 minutes after a Bird flicked header but his finish was well off target.

Cheltenham, in desperate need of 3 points to boost their play-off challenge, fought back strongly.

Duff shot over the bar 10 minutes before half-time after McCann's corner was completely missed by keeper Clarke and allowed to travel to the far post.

Referee Webb was upsetting much of the Cheltenham faithful with some of his decision.

Broughton was denied by keeper Book of Harriers return to attacking mode.

Webb's header gave the forward his chance but the angle was acute from the left-hand side and Book did well to block.

However, Harriers went 2 goals ahead on 45 minutes with Tony Bird's first goal in the Football League for the club. Tony Bird

Doyle squared the ball from the left-hand side and Bird, lurking at the far post, tapped home easily into an unguarded section of the net.

Cheltenham made their first substitution on 45 minutes when captain Banks was hauled off to be replaced by former Hereford man Walker.