Monday, December 26, 2000.

JOHN Durnin scored his first goal at Aggborough to earn Kidderminster Harriers a fully-deserved 1-0 Nationwide League Division Three victory over Mansfield Town yesterday.

The 35-year-old struck in the fourth minute and was denied a hat-trick by having two other efforts hit the woodwork.

His previous four goals since arriving at Kidderminster earlier this season had all been away from home, but yesterday's well taken effort was just reward for a high class performance.

Manager Jan Molby said: "I thought everything about John's game was outstanding and it was a real quality goal he scored."

The Aggborough boss was also delighted by his side's overall display which constantly had the Stags on the back foot.

He said: "I thought some of our play was excellent. We had some good passing movements, but the biggest problem we had was we didn't manage to get that second goal.

"Mansfield played some good stuff too, but the difference was they never had a chance and we looked comfortable. The only disappointment was that we didn't score a couple more."

Deadly Durnin gave Kidderminster a dream start when he firmly headed in a hanging cross by Andy Ducros past 'keeper Bobby Mimms.

After their early breakthrough, impressive Harriers continued to hold the upper hand with Durnin and Neil Mackenzie both going close to adding further goals.

Mansfield, however, began to get more into the game as the first half progressed with Micky Boulding, Chris Greenacre and Bobby Hassell all testing the Aggborough rear-guard.

Boulding's fierce first-time shot from 22 yards was pushed away by keeper Stuart Brock while Greenacre's effort was a fine header which drifted just wide. Brock then had to make a diving save to stop Hassell's 20-yard drive.

Durnin, however, had a tremendous opportunity to put Harriers further ahead in the 37th minute, but his close range shot in front of an open goal hit the post.

Kidderminster remained in control during the second half but were unable to find the killer touch in front of goal.

Two more chances fell to Durnin, the first an unchallenged header which went wide and the other a deflected 25-yard shot which glanced off the top of the bar.

Mackenzie also worried outplayed Mansfield with a first time drive which flashed just over the bar.

Kidderminster: Brock 7, Stamps 7, Medou-Otye 7, Hinton 7, Shail 7, Bogie 6 (Bennett 61, 6), Horne 6, Mackenzie 7, Ducros 7, Hadley 7, Durnin 8. Subs (not used): Clarke, Bird, Davies, Barnett.

Star man: John Durnin.

Attendance: 3,842.