Pictures and analysis of AFC Telford 1 Harriers 2

But, despite the narrow 2-1 loss, manager Liam Watson was more pleased with his side's overall display than he had been following their unconvincing victory over Market Drayton earlier in the month.

Given last night's opposition – Kidderminster finished second in the non-league's top flight last season – it was always likely to be Telford's most testing warm-up encounter so far.

And so it proved, as Kidderminster attacked swiftly from the off before the hosts worked their way back into it to match their opponent in a relatively even first 45 minutes.

Telford goalkeeper Ryan Young was forced into an early save from Mickey Demetriou within the first minute.

But a long throw from Andy Owens, playing at left-back, presented Bucks skipper Simon Grand with a good early chance at the other end.

His header was well saved by Nathan Vaughan before Anthony Malbon put the visitors in front with a superb finish from just inside the box after 15 minutes.

Nathan Blissett and Jamie Tolley combined well down the right to create the chance which Malbon struck home on the volley past Young.

It was a clinical move, but the ease with which it was executed left Watson understandably frustrated.

Some untidy passages of play from both sides followed but Matthew McGinn drew a strong save from Vaughan midway through the half with a powerful drive.

Owens' long throws have been a dangerous weapon so far in pre-season, having already created an equaliser against Market Drayton.

On that occasion, Mike Phenix was the man who finished the move and he was credited with the equaliser again last night, after another Owens touchline delivery caused havoc in the Harriers box.

Vaughan fumbled and the ball was eventually stabbed home. No official announcement was made regarding the finish, but Watson was adamant the final touch came from Phenix in the scramble that followed.

McGinn then drew gasps from the crowd when his thumping 25-yard effort hammered off the bar, with Vaughan completely beaten shortly before the break.

Unfortunately for Telford, Lee Fowler was even more accurate four minutes before half-time when he pounced on a sloppy piece of play by Tony Gray.

The Harriers hot-shot smashed home a loose ball from the edge of the box, with Young again beaten by the accuracy and pace of the finish.

Watson threw on trialists Martyn Jackson and Robbie Booth at the break, replacing Alan Moogan and Wes Baynes.

And several further changes were made by both sides during a frustrating second-half which was a poor spectacle, especially compared to a lively opening 45 minutes.

A defensive mix-up almost handed Kidderminster's James Dance an easy goal on 65 minutes, but he pulled his close-range effort into the side netting.

Callum Gittings could also have sealed the game for Harriers but he shot straight at Young from inside the box.

At the other end, Owens did brilliantly to win possession and flash in a far-post cross.

Adam Farrell made the run but was just half a yard out with his timing as the chance zipped across the turf and out of the danger zone.

Dior Angus failed to convert another inviting chance for the visitors seven minutes from time.

In truth, Kidderminster were the better side overall but the Bucks were certainly not outclassed and the game did provide a useful run-out for virtually the whole of the Watson's match-day squad.

More of concern to Watson than the scoreline though will have been a number of minor injuries picked up by his small squad after a physical encounter.

Moogan, Wes Baynes (hip) and Simon Grand (ankle) were among the walking wounded, while Phenix required a couple of stitches in a head wound.

By Matthew Viney