CAPTAIN Chris McPhee saw a penalty saved as Harriers and Tamworth battled out a tame Blue Square Premier draw tonight.

The skipper’s first-half spot-kick denied the hosts a goal they barely deserved as the Staffordshire side had the better of the game.

However, neither team had enough quality in front of goal on a bitterly cold night at Aggborough.

Harriers’ opponents contained four ex-Harriers and two of them, Simon Russell and Neil MacKenzie, opened them up in the 13th minute. Russell’s cross reached fellow midfielder MacKenzie on the edge of the box but his fierce right-foot drive flew just wide.

Nick Wright had an effort disallowed for offside as Harriers continued to flatter to deceive.

But Mark Yates’ men missed a great chance on 34 minutes when keeper Danny Alcock saved McPhee’s spot-kick following a Chris Smith foul on full debutant Ryan Charles.

Charles’ fellow loan striker Damian Spencer headed off target from close range soon after.

Wright shot over early in the second period as Harriers struggled to create chances although sub Darryl Knights’ 25-yarder was tipped over by Alcock.

At the other end, keeper Dean Coleman got down smartly to block Jake Sheridan’s low, skidding effort.

Meanwhile, Harriers will head to Matlock Town in the FA Trophy first round on December 12 after they beat Witton Albion 4-3 in a replay tonight.

Harriers: Coleman; Courtney, Riley, Caines, Andrew; McDermott (Knights 61), Finnigan (Hayward 73), McPhee, Smikle; Charles (Farrell 90), Spencer. Subs not used: Singh, Baker.

Attendance: 1,166.