TWO first-half goals were enough to shoot down Harriers in an evenly-matched Blue Square Premier clash at Cambridge United.

Harriers were punished by two defensive lapses in concentration, which allowed Cambridge to power into the lead against the run of play.

The away side went all out for a goal at the start of the second-half but they had no luck.

Manager Mark Yates made three changes to the side which had been knocked out of the FA Cup by Conference North side Fleetwood.

Striker Robbie Matthews returned to the starting line-up after serving his three-match ban, while John Finnigan was preferred ahead of David McDermott.

Left-back Daniel Andrew also made his debut after joining Harriers on-loan from Championship side Peterborough United. He replaced the suspended Lee Baker.

The home side made a strong start and winger Andy Parkinson shot straight at keeper Dean Coleman, who had a jittery day in goal, in the fifth minute.

Matthew Barnes-Homer had a good chance to fire Harriers ahead in the 12th minute but his weak shot went across the face of goal.

Harriers were hit on the counter-attack 60 seconds later, when Jai Reason sent in a teasing cross, that Chris Holroyd headed into the back of the net.

Despite going behind, Harriers went onto boss the game, with Darryl Knights dictating play. Brian Smikle had their best chance with a goal-bound header from a Knights corner but keeper Danny Potter did well to tip it over the bar.

They found themselves 2-0 down against the run on play in the 31st minute, when the unmarked Wayne Hatswell met Robbie Willmott’s free-kick and directed a header beyond Coleman.

Harriers came out all guns blazing in the second-half, but could not find that crucial goal. Knights’ firm shot forced a fine save from Potter, while defender Gavin Caines should have done better when he headed wide from a corner.

However, as the game wore on, the away side ran out of steam and could not find a away through.

They were denied a goal late on when Smikle’s close-range effort was ruled out for a foul on Cambridge’s shot-stopper. At the other end, home hitman Danny Crow also had a goal ruled out, this time for offside. Ultimately, Harriers paid the price for their two defensive errors in the first-half.

Harriers: Coleman, Courtney, Finnigan (McDermott, 46), Caines, Riley, Bennett, Barnes-Homer, Knights, Smikle, Matthews, Andrew. Not used: Dolman, Sharpe, Farrell, Haywood.

Referee: Stuart Burt.

Attendance: 3,508.