STRUGGLERS Altrincham put an end to Kidderminster Harriers' fine run tonight in terrible conditions.

Harriers had gone seven games unbeaten but their form went crashing along with the thunder and lightning that forced a 15-minute delay in the first-half.

Although Iyseden Christie put Harriers ahead in the second-half, Altrincham hit back to earn three valuable points in their fight to survive in the Blue Square Premier.

Harriers' chances of making the play-offs now look an even longer shot, particularly if they cannot obtain results at lowly opposition. Top-scorer James Constable replaced Matthew Barnes-Homer up front alongside Christie after he served his one-match suspension in Saturday's 2-2 draw at York City.

Midfielders Russ Penn and Andy Ferrell also returned from bans.

Altrincham forced three early corners before a 15-minute break in play while the weather calmed down.

The delay knocked the teams out of their stride and both contrived to fire efforts off-target in a poor game on a saturated pitch.

Harriers improved as the half wore on and the hosts' Greg Young hooked a Mark Creighton far-post header over the bar.

Boss Mark Yates made a double substitution on 54 minutes, replacing Constable and Paul Bignot with Justin Richards and Kenna.

Richards made an immediate impact with a pass to Christie who slotted home his fifth goal in eight games in the 56th minute.

But Altrincham equalised eight minutes later when Thomas Cahill prodded in James Jennings' cross.

Harriers hit back with Simon Russell, on for Dean Bennett, testing keeper Stuart Coburn.

However, the strugglers took the lead for the first time on 76 minutes as midfielder Warren Peyton rifled Ryan Toulson's centre in to the net.

Harriers: Bevan; Bignot (Kenna 54), Hurren, Creighton, Blackwood; Penn, Bennett (Russell 74), Ferrell, McGrath; Constable (Richards 54), Christie. Subs not used: Whitehead, Barnes-Homer.

Attendance: 788.