KIDDERMINSTER Harriers won 2-1 away at high-flying South Shields to inflict a first home league defeat of the season on their opponents.
Goals from David Davis and Kam Kandola earned Harriers a first away win in four matches as Dillon Morse netted a late consolation for the home side at the First Cloud Arena.
The result means Kidderminster sit fourth in the National League North table, three points clear of the chasing pack in the race for a top-seven finish.
Adam Murray’s side almost broke the deadlock inside five minutes when the returning Ashley Hemmings turned a cutback from the left inches past the post.
And the visitors went close again minutes later as Joe Foulkes burst down the right and into the box only for Davis to curl a shot narrowly over the crossbar.
South Shields had their first chance of the game soon after as Paul Blackett controlled Foulkes’ poor clearance but could only shoot straight at Christian Dibble.
The home side tested Dibble again moments later when Daniel Dodds raced through as the outstretched leg of the Kidderminster stopper kept the scores level.
Harriers responded with a chance of their own at the other end as Charlie Cooper curled a shot over the bar with the outside of his boot from 20-yards out.
The visitors spurned a golden chance to take the lead just past the half-hour mark when Michael Gyasi challenged home goalkeeper Tom Watson for a high ball.
The loose ball dropped to Hemmings who saw his shot turned off the line by Ethan Mann.
And Harriers saw another attempt cleared off the line moments later as Robbie Tinkler denied Reece Devine after the latter drilled a low shot towards goal.
The chances continued to come Kidderminster’s way as Ryley Reynolds volleyed Emeka Obi’s knockdown over the crossbar.
However, Harriers eventually broke the deadlock four minutes before half time when Davis headed in Reynolds’ free-kick from close range.
The home side spurned a glorious chance to draw level in first-half injury time as Dibble denied Blackett when one-on-one.
Harriers almost doubled their lead early in the second half when the visitors won the ball high up the pitch and Watson pushed Reynolds’ low effort to safety.
And a stunning solo goal from substitute Kandola sealed the points for the visitors three minutes from time as he beat two defenders on his way into the box and coolly found the net.
South Shields halved the deficit seven minutes into injury time as substitute Morse poked home but Harriers held on to take the points.
Kidderminster are next in action against Worksop Town in the FA Trophy on Saturday, December 13 with kick-off at 3pm at Sandy Lane.
