KIDDERMINSTER Harriers scored their first goal in five games in truly superb style tonight as a last-minute stunner from substitute Simon Russell gave the side a share of the spoils at Cambridge.

Super-Sub Russell silenced the home crowd with an early contender for goal of the season in the 89th minute, his superb lob made sure the 'keeper was well beaten as the loyal 73 fans were finally given a goal to celebrate.

Harriers hardly had it all their own way, though, and some would say the strike spared Harriers blushes as they looked to be heading for another Conference defeat after Jon Brady had fired the hosts ahead with 19 minutes left.

The U's, struggling themselves to find early-season form, will feel they had the best of the game's play, but it was Harriers who were spraying the ball around with relative ease in the first period with Michael McGrath, on for his first start of the campaign, linking up well with Russell Penn.

Cambridge thought they'd took the lead early on as Trevor Robinson crashed a shot from distance off the underside of the bar, the referee, despite appeals, ruled that the ball hadn't crossed the line.

Midway through the half Harriers had a chance from an unlikely source as Gavin Hurren revelled in his new role and got forward enough to pull off a speculative shot that went wide.

United seemed restricted to long-range efforts and Robinson caused Bevan no problems with his high-and-rising effort eight minutes before the break, Robert Wolleaston came slightly closer a minute later in forcing the keeper in to a decent save.

The second half took a while to get going but the visitors found themselves penned in for a large spell of United pressure.

Experienced hit man Marcus Richardson volleyed wide from 12-yards just after the hour mark, after which Mark Yates made two substitutions, with Andy White and debutant Bob Taylor coming on in place of Iyseden Christie and Luke Reynolds.

Their introduction had an immediate effect and White went close after latching onto Penn's cross, though the hosts took the lead shortly after with 71 minutes on the clock after Brady beat Bevan at the far post with a header.

Jonny Harkness perhaps found himself a little fortunate to have only picked up a yellow card for a less than conservative challenge on United's Daniel Carey-Bertram a few minutes later.

With ten minutes to go Yates threw on Russell in place of Jamie McClen, and just nine minutes later the former Hull man sparked some last-minute magic as he fired the scores level with his exquisite effort.

Harriers even had chances to win the game as Russell moments later was allowed to weave his way into the area to force a good save from the goalkeeper - Bob Taylor powered his free header wide from the resultant corner.

Cambridge Utd: Crichton, Gier, Peters, Morrison, Robinson, Brady, Hanlon, Wolleaston, Pitt, Richardson (Gash 85), Carey-Bertram (Robbie Simpson 79).
Subs Not Used: Smith, Bloomer, Bridges.

Harriers: Bevan, Kenna, Creighton, Whitehead, Harkness, Hurren, McClen (Russell 80), Penn, McGrath, Reynolds (Bob Taylor 61), Christie (White 61).
Subs Not Used: Sedgemore, Steve Taylor.

Attendance: 1,860 (73 away)

Referee: G Stretton (Leicestershire).