HARRIERS' pre-season winning streak came to an end against Paul Merson's Walsall, writes Mat Kendrick.

But as the Saddlers boss was quick to point out, there were still plenty of positives for his opposite number Stuart Watkiss.

Once again Kidderminster produced a cohesive performance and but for a sorry slip from rookie keeper Dan Lewis were worthy of a draw against their League One neighbours.

After a turbulent summer of upheaval Watkiss deserves immense credit for assembling what looks like a competitive Conference squad in the space of just a few weeks.

The manager has certainly got the Harriers harrying and the workrate of newcomers like Terry Fleming, Martin O'Connor and Michael Blackwood will be essential in non-League football's top flight.

Not that the manager is getting carried away. The 18 players he named for Tuesday night's friendly included three youngsters and triallist Lee Thompson.

In reality he has just 14 fit players to plough on with and even the luckiest manager in the world would struggle to win promotion with a squad so small.

Nevertheless the signs on the pitch continue to be more encouraging than those off it.

The fresh faces in the dressing room are making an instant impact, and it's now up to the boardroom newcomers to do likewise.

Indeed it was two of the summer signings that combined brilliantly to put Harriers in front on 42 minutes with Blackwood whipping in one of many inviting crosses from the left and Fleming hurling himself at it to score with a brilliant diving header.

But as on Saturday against Wolves, Harriers were caught basking in the glory and conceded a goal at the other end immediately.

Having been given a let off when Walsall's Brazilian triallist Ruben Dario Larossa headed straight at Lewis right from the re-start, Harriers failed to heed the warning.

From Walsall's next attack on 45 minutes Kris Taylor swung over a pinpoint corner from the right and Chris Westwood rose unmarked to power a header past Lewis.

A half time score of 1-1 was a fair reflection with Iyseden Christie again looking lively for the hosts and impressive triallist Thompson seeing a volley hacked off the line, while Walsall's best chance was spurned when Mark Wright slipped at the vital moment.

The second half was a useful exercise for both squads and the game tooed and froed with Anthony Gerrard almost heading past his own keeper and Steve Burton firing wide after a determined run.

But Walsall, who should have scored when Michael Standing volleyed wide, made the breakthrough on 67 minutes when Taylor grabbed the winner.

A slide-rule through ball from Standing caught the Kidderminster defence napping and although Taylor had time and space to shoot his weak effort should have been stopped by Lewis who let it squirm through his hands.

Despite the result, Merson was full of praise for Harriers -- particularly Christie -- , saying: "I like Kidderminster and I think they've got a chance this season.

"Christie's a handful. He didn't really get chance to show what he can do against us, but he won't come up against back fours as strong as us in the Conference.

"If he had have been fit last season I don't think they would have gone down."

Harriers: Lewis, Evans (Hurran 53), Burton, Jackson (Penn 64), Burgess (Hatswell 57), Sheldon (Wilson 60), Blackwood, Fleming, O'Connor (Russell 46) , Thompson, Christie (Moss 64). Sub not used: Danby.

Walsall: Oakes, Gerrard, Fox, Westwood, Bennett, Standing (Bradley 80), Taylor, Wrack, Osborn (Kinsella 74), Dario Larossa (Leitao), Wright (Ateino 71). Subs not used: Merson, Richardson.

Referee: Mick Fletcher (Worcestershire).

Attendance: 989.