KIDDERMINSTER Harriers failed to secure a play-off boosting win at crisis club Northwich Victoria.

The managerless hosts levelled in the second-half to claim only their second Blue Square Premier point of the season.

Harriers, aiming to build on Saturday's fine 1-0 win at Salisbury, could have leapt up to sixth place with a second success in a row.

But Mark Yates' men must be content with 10th in the table for now, while Northwich moved off the basement above Droylsden.

Droylsden were the only team Vics had avoided defeat against - drawing 3-3 - before last night.

Jonny Harkness and Justin Richards forced saves from keeper Ben Connett before defender Mark Creighton's header crashed off the bar.

However, it was against the run of play when Harriers went ahead through Richards' fifth goal of the season.

Richards produced a composed left-footed finish from strike partner James Constable's cross.

But Harriers have often struggled to keep clean sheets this season and Northwich levelled six minutes into the second period.

Chris Williams found the net for Vics from close range from Kevin Townson's pass.

The home side out-battled Harriers, who failed to get to grips with their hard-working opponents.

Keeper Chris MacKenzie produced excellent stops from Brad Maylett and Townson.

Harriers: MacKenzie; Bignot, Creighton, Whitehead, Harkness (McGrath 61); Penn, Ferrell (Barnes-Homer 74), Bennett, Blackwood; Constable, Richards. Subs not used: Coleman, Munday, Smikle.

Northwich: Connett; Battersby, Wilson, Strong, Brown; Maylett (Byrne 75), Carr, Heslop, Williams; Townson, Tait (Maamria 80). Subs not used: Murphy, Birch, Johnson.

Attendance: 481.