AN out of sorts performance and defeat ensured Kidderminster Harri-ers slipped to seventh in the Blue Square Premier against new leaders Kettering Town.

Harriers could not overcome a physical Kettering side and were shot down by John Dempster’s 83rd minute header.

Striker Stefan Moore made his first start for Harriers since joining the club forcing Darryl Knights back on the bench.

The visitors started brightly and the former Aston Villa man had a shot deflected over the bar, before Russ Penn dragged an effort wide after a driving run into the box.

But the Poppies started to impose themselves on the game and knocked Harriers out of their stride.

Former Redditch United defender Exodus Geohaghan’s long throw-ins were also a weapon that Harriers could not deal with. Keeper Adam Bartlett denied Andre Boucaud from distance in the 11th minute and pushed the ball behind, with former Harrier Iyseden Christie and Chris Beardsley lurking.

The away side were unable to pose a threat and it took some strong challenges from Mark Creighton and Keith Lowe to keep Alfie Potter and Craig Westcarr at bay.

Harriers survived a scare late in the first period when an unmarked Dem-pster headed over from close-range.

Kettering continued to dominate in the second-half and, after Potter saw a 30-yard effort fly over the bar, Bartlett denied Westcarr.

Going forward Harriers lacked a cutting edge and Moore saw a shot blocked by Dempster, while captain Creighton came close with a header.

But Mark Yates’ men hopes of obtaining at least a point were ended in the 83rd minute.

From a corner, former Worcester City man Gareth Seddon saw an effort saved by Bartlett but the keeper was beaten by Dempster’s follow-up header.

Christie could have piled more misery on Harriers but missed two late chances.

Kidderminster Harriers: Bartlett, Baker, Creighton, Jones, Moore (Ferrell 67), Barnes-Homer, Penn, Smikle, Brittain (McDermott 78), Lowe, MacKenzie (Knights 85). Subs not used: Coleman; Bennett.

Kettering: Harper, Geohaghan, Jazsczun, Wrack, Branston, Dempster, Potter, Beardsley (Seddon 68), Boucaud (Solkhon 87), Christie, Westcarr (Marna 76). Subs not used: Eaden, Lee.

Referee: R Whitton.

Attendance: 2,010