Sloppy mistakes cost Kidderminster Harriers dear today as they began the brand new Blue Square Premier season with a 2-1 defeat to Aldershot Town at Aggborough.
After a first half in which Harriers arguably looked slightly the better side, crucial lapses in concentration saw the visitors all but gifted the points.
They went ahead just eight seconds into the second period as the defence stood still, and doubled their advantage before the hour - Mark Creighton's bullet header wasn't enough to create the comeback needed.
It could all have been different so early on - striker James Constable created a great chance for himself with just eight minutes gone. After picking up on a poor back-pass from the 'Shots defence to Nikki Bull, the striker managed to round the goalkeeper but could only fire his shot into the side-netting.
Rhys Day and Scott Davies both went close for Aldershot with set-piece efforts, whilst Michael Blackwood must have been sure he'd scored 12 minutes before the break.
Good work by Russ Penn got Brian Smikle on the ball - his decent cross found it's way to winger Blackwood who thumped a volley off the underside of the bar.
Aldershot celebrate at Aggborough today.
After the interval all of the home side's good work was undone when within 10 seconds of the referee's whistle, DAVIES was allowed to waltz through the Harriers' defence before hammering a powerful 20-yard drive past Scott Bevan.
Not much more than ten minutes later the lead was doubled as Harriers were left reeling. Rob Elvins was allowed to turn and shoot inside the area without challenge to shoot low at Bevan - the giant goalkeeper managed a great fingertip save but John GRANT was there to poke home the re-bound.
Grant again tested Bevan with another effort as Neil Howarth on the touchline looked to change things around for Harriers with three substitutes in quick succession; Iyseden Christie, Michael McGrath and Matthew Barnes-Homer all coming on.
Creighton beats Nikki Bull with his header
With less than 15 minutes to play the hosts seemed to pick up their play and they got themselves back into it as Jeff Kenna's corner was met by a powerful header by CREIGHTON who gave Bull absolutely no chance (pictured).
Aldershot began to panic slightly at the back as their advantage was halved and Justin Richards almost levelled matters ten minutes from time but his curling effort went wide.
McGrath helped quicken the pace after his arrival and could have got on the score sheet himself - Christie's ball found its way to the former Redditch man who blasted it goalwards only to see it blocked by a 'Shots man.
After five minutes of injury time the game drew to a close much to the delight of the 413 away fans; for Harriers there's only the chance to get off the mark for the season at neighbours Stafford Rangers on Tuesday night.
