KIDDERMINSTER Harriers twice surrendered the lead in a 3-2 defeat at Oxford City despite breaking the deadlock after just eight seconds.
Harriers scored one of the quickest goals in their history after Kieren Donnelly charged down goalkeeper Max Metcalfe’s clearance and headed the loose ball into an empty net with eight seconds on the clock.
The visitors led a second time when Emeka Obi headed home after Josh Ashby had lashed Oxford level as Harriers took a narrow lead into the break at the MGroup Stadium.
However, Oxford turned the game on its head in the second period as DJ Sturridge and O’Shea Ellis struck to stun Adam Murray’s side.
The result means Kidderminster sit third in the National League North table, eight points clear of the chasing pack in the race for a play-off spot.
Harriers took the lead after just eight seconds as Donnelly blocked Metcalfe’s attempted kick up the pitch and nodded the loose ball into the net in a remarkable start to the contest.
However, Oxford equalised on 22 minutes when Ashby lashed a shot into the roof of the net from just inside the penalty area past debutant Harriers goalkeeper Rhys Lovett.
Kidderminster reclaimed the lead five minutes before half time as Obi rose highest to head in Donnelly’s hanging cross from the right from close range.
The home side drew level for a second time five minutes after the break when DJ Sturridge lifted a shot over Lovett and into the net from 25-yards out after the keeper had raced off his line to meet a ball in-behind the Harriers defence.
And Oxford completed the turnaround on 70 minutes as Ellis curled a stunning effort into the top-right corner from 25-yards out after Harriers lost possession deep inside their own half.
Kidderminster are next in action against Spennymoor Town on Tuesday, March 31 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Brewery Field.
