KIDDERMINSTER Harriers maintained their promotion push after eventually breaking down Mansfield Town 2-0 at Aggborough tonight.

Harriers are now third in the Blue Square Premier, seven points behind leaders Burton Albion with a game in hand, after goals from Keith Lowe and Justin Richards.

But Mansfield, triumphant on the road just once this season, slipped closer to the relegation zone.

In a scrappy start, Harriers were unable to unlock Mansfield, who looked to hit the hosts on the counter-attack.

Stags debutant keeper Jamie Annerson held onto efforts from Mark Creighton and Brian Smikle, while midfielder Russ Penn twice drove over the crossbar.

Boss Mark Yates spiced up his midfield by introducing Andy Ferrell, back from suspension, for the injured Dean Bennett just before half-time.

Harriers cranked up the pressure in the second period as Richards, Penn and Lowe all went close. The visitors forced keeper Adam Bartlett into a rare save when he tipped over Adnam Ahmed’s dipping half-volley on 65 minutes.

All the home side’s effort threatened to come to nothing and Yates sent on another sub in David McDermott for Smikle on 67 minutes.

Matthew Barnes-Homer was next to nearly break the deadlock on 73 minutes only for Annerson to deny him.

But the home fans only had to wait a minute later when right-back Lowe bagged his first goal for the club. The ex-Wolves player headed home Martin Brittain’s corner.

Almost immediately, Harriers had a let-off when Matt Somner nodded a good chance too close to Bartlett.

But Richards sealed the points and Harriers’ 10th home league win of the season when he converted Penn’s pass five minutes from time for his 14th goal of the campaign.

Harriers: Bartlett; Lowe, Creighton, Riley, Baker; Brittain, Penn, Bennett (Ferrell 44), Smikle (McDermott 67); Barnes-Homer (Beardsley 84), Richards. Subs not used: Moore, Jones.

Attendance: 1,266.

Meanwhile, Bromsgrove Rovers’ winning run in British Gas Business Division One Midlands ended with a 3-1 defeat at Dunstable Town.

Kevin Banner scored their only goal from the penalty spot tonight.

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup quarter-finals with a 5-0 loss at Halesowen Town.