STRIKER Stefan Moore produced a memorable debut as he inspired a Harriers fightback at Aggborough.

The former Aston Villa hitman came on as a second-half substitute and set up two goals, as Harriers battled back from Ricky Shakes’ 15th minute leveller.

Victory ensured Harriers bounced back from a two-game run without a win and lifted them two places to fourth in the Blue Square Premier.

Before the clash, Harriers boss Mark Yates made changes to his side for the first time in 10 games.

With top-scorer Justin Richards out with a hamstring problem, Darryl Knights made his first start since the loss at Mansfield in August.

Andy Ferrell was dropped for the first time this campaign and was replaced by Neil MacKenzie in central midfield.

Harriers were knocked out of their stride by hard-working Ebbsfleet and Shakes handed them a deserved lead after indecisive defending.

The defence backed off Jamie Hand and he slipped the ball to Shakes, who slotted a low shot beyond keeper Adam Bartlett.

As the half wore on, Harriers saw more of the ball but lacked the cutting edge to score, despite some teasing crosses by Martin Brittain.

Bartlett kept his side in the game when he turned Luke Moore’s shot behind after more poor defending by the hosts.

MacKenzie became more forceful after the break and saw a goalbound shot from the edge of the area deflected wide.

Moore replaced the out of sorts Knights in the 63rd minute and made an immediate impact, slipping the ball to MacKenzie, who shot across keeper Lance Cronin for the leveller.

The ex-QPR striker then set Brian Smikle up for his fifth goal of the season in the 68th minute. He powered down the left and crossed to the winger, who swept the ball into the back of the net.

The fightback was sealed in the 75th minute when Matt Barnes-Homer powered down the right and shot past Cronin.

As Ebbsfleet tried to hit back, Harriers looked dangerous on the break and twice Moore was denied late on.

Brittain delivered an excellent cross that Moore volleyed goalwards, but Cronin got behind it. The keeper then got a hand to Moore’s shot after another good cross from Brittain.

Harriers: Bartlett, Baker, Creighton, Jones, Knights (Moore, 63), Barnes-Homer, Penn (Bennett, 90), Smikle 7, Brittain 7, Lowe 6, MacKenzie 8 (Ferrell, 80). Unused substitutes: Coleman, McDermott.

Northwich: Cronin, Hawkins, McCarthy, Gash (Ibe, 83), Stone, Pooley, Barrett, Ricketts, Shakes, Moore, Hand (Purcell, 75). Unused substitutes: Smith, Slatter, Mott.

Referee: Jock Waugh (Yorkshire).

Attendance: 1,512.