ADAM Murray made a winning start to life as Kidderminster Harriers boss following a 1-0 opening day victory against Scarborough Athletic, writes Neil Gordon.
An early goal from Reece Devine saw Murray’s new-look side begin the National League North season with a win at Aggborough.
The result means Harriers sit eighth in the National League North table.
Murray handed debuts to seven players as Harriers embark on a new era following the disappointment of missing out on the league title and promotion last season.
And Kidderminster made the perfect start as Devine pounced at the back post on 12 minutes when he finished off a flowing team move.
The referee played a good advantage in the lead up to the goal following a challenge on Kurt Willoughby which came after Dan Mooney saw his debut curtailed by an early injury.
Debutant Zanda Siziba almost doubled Kidderminster’s lead as Ryan Whitley’s boot denied Harriers a second goal after good work from Jack Clarke.
The hosts had the ball in the net again later in the half only for Jason Adigun to see his header ruled out for offside.
The teams traded chances soon after as Scarborough’s Rio Allen flashed a shot across the face of goal before Adigun forced Whitley to tip the ball over the crossbar.
After the break, Adigun glanced a header wide following more determined play from Joe Foulkes who had earlier played a role in the game’s only goal.
A flare-up in the home technical area at the death saw both managers shown a yellow card but the whistle sounded soon after as Murray and Harriers enjoyed the perfect start to the new campaign.
Kidderminster are next in action against Worksop Town on Saturday, August 16 with kick-off 3pm at Babbage Way.
