ROBBIE Matthews bagged a brace as impressive Kidderminster Harriers shot down the Blue Square Premier’s runaway leaders at Aggborough.

A goal in each half from Matthews and a super effort by strike partner Matthew Barnes-Homer stunned the Us.

Despite a goal for former Harriers James Constable from the penalty spot, Oxford were second best.

Three points for the home side were well-deserved in a full-blooded encounter which saw eight players booked and Oxford’s Steven Kinniburgh sent off late on.

Harriers, who were already missing the suspended Lee Baker and Chris McPhee, were dealt another blow when the experienced John Finnigan pulled out through injury.

Dean Bennett took the central role and the captain’s armband in midfield, while on-loan Peterborough left-back Daniel Andrew made his home debut.

Oxford came to Aggborough with an impressive squad containing a quartet of former Harriers players.

As well as goalkeeper Ryan Clarke and midfielder Adam Murray, former skipper Mark Creighton made the first return to Aggborough since his move to the Us in the summer.

Another familliar face for the home fans was Constable, who scored an impressive 23 goals in 52 games for Harriers.

The home fans were outnumbered by Oxford’s 2,000-strong travelling army but they were silenced when Harriers went ahead in the second minute.

Darryl Knights’ shot hit Luke Foster and fell for Matthews to slot the ball into the net.

Constable had a hand in Harriers’ second goal in the 16th minute.

He foolishly fouled Martin Riley 30-yards out and Barnes-Homer made him pay with a thunderbolt.

But the league leaders got back into the game in the 29th minute, when keeper Dean Coleman was adjudged to have brought down Sam Deering.

While the decision looked a little harsh, Constable slammed home the resulting spot-kick.

Matthews restored the hosts’ two-goal lead seven minutes into the second-half, slotting a close-range effort underneath Clarke.

Harriers had a chance to put the game beyond Oxford when Kinniburgh brought down Barnes-Homer in the 75th minute.

The Oxford man was shown a straight red card but Clarke saved Matthews’ penalty and Brian Smikle’s follow-up flew wide.

Harriers: Coleman, Courtney, Caines, Riley, Bennett, Barnes-Homer (Farrell 90+3); Knights (Hayward 90+3), McDermott, (Dolman 90) Smikle, Matthews, Andrew. Subs not used: Singh, Sharpe.

Referee: Michael Naylor (Sheffield).

Attendance: 3,569.