LES Hines believes Worcester City have the credentials to ride high in Nationwide North after last night seeing off his former club Kidderminster Harriers.

City shot down their county rivals 2-0 in an uncompromising friendly at St George's Lane, with strikes in both halves from newcomer Des Lyttle and Leon Kelly.

Despite dominating possession, a new-look and full-strength Harriers side rarely hurt City's defence but for the odd piece of magic from lone forward Iyseden Christie.

Full-back Hines, who played for Harriers from 1998 to 2000, created both goals and reckons the test against the Aggborough club will serve Worcester well in next season's promotion bid.

"We've got to look at this game as being part of the learning curve," admitted Hines. "We are not going to play against teams as strong as Harriers in Conference North. That bodes well.

"They had a lot of possession but they never really hurt us. I think having too much possession was their problem. They never really got behind us or broke us.

"We should not get carried away, but it was a good win and a good exercise. We kept a clean sheet, which is what we've got to keep producing. That was a big bonus. It was great to see Des score, though that will probably be his only one for the season! Leon got off the mark as well, which is good for him and the team.

"There's still lot of things we've got to learn, especially with communication. We know we've got to talk more on the pitch.

"We've got some experienced heads in there, but it's up to some of the younger lads to start opening up their mouths a bit more."

Worcester got off to a flier on 21 minutes as skipper Lyttle picked up a helpful ricochet from Hines' set-piece to lash a right-foot shot past John Danby.

Christie spurned two excellent opportunities within the space of three minutes later in the half, firstly firing wide after a one-two with Lee Thompson, then sending a low drive off target.

Kelly put the game beyond Harriers on 83 minutes when he shrugged off the challenge of Wayne Hatswell to guide a neat shot home.

City: McDonnell, Warner, Hines, C Smith, Khan (Woolley 76), Lyttle, Clegg (McDonald 61), Stanley (Warmer 65), Kelly, Colley, Preece (J Smith 89). Subs not used: Jones, Hubball, Skyers. Attendance: 635.