Hayes & Yeading

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Kidderminster 1-0 Hayes & Yeading

Kidderminster got their Blue Square Premier League season off to a winning start as they defeated newly-promoted Hayes & Yeading 1-0 on Saturday.

Mark Yates' side have struggled against league newcomers in the past but Matthew Barnes-Homer's 35th minute goal was enough to earn the Harriers all three points.

The result could have been very different however, if the Blue Square South play-off winners had converted some good late chances.

Barnes-Homer took his goal well, slotting the ball past Hayes keeper Simon Overland after Brian Smikle's low cross from the left had been deflected into the striker's path. Overland flung himself despairingly to his right but failed to get anything on the shot as Kidderminster's joint-top scorer from last season opened his scoring account in style.

Harriers captain Chris McPhee, who had an impressive game, tried his luck early on but was denied by defender Tom Cadmore before Dean Coleman was forced into action. The Harriers keeper did well to keep out Justin Cochrane's fierce drive.

Darryl Knights and Barnes-Homer threatened to add to the scoreline with shots from distance but failed to beat Overland for the second time.

United came out more determined in the second period and almost leveled the score within four minutes of the restart.

Dale Binns latched onto a poor back pass and lobbed the ball over Coleman before Gavin Caines came to the rescue with a clearing header.

The visitors gave their hosts a scare with the match winding down as first Ram Marwa failed to find the target with his 77th volley before substitute Esmond James hit his effort wide when it would have easier to score.

Kidderminster bookings: Bennett.

Hayes & Yeading bookings: Gradwell, Fitzgerald.

Ref: C Harwood.

Att: 1,471.