Kidderminster Harriers 2-0 Hartlepool United

Ten men Hartlepool United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Kidderminster Harriers in the Enterprise National League on Friday evening.

Callum Stewart’s late header added to a first-half own goal from Neo Eccleston as the hosts secured all three points at Aggborough Stadium.

Lee Clark made one change to the side ahead of kick-off, with Nathan Fisher replacing the injured Max Merrick in goal.

The hosts came within inches of breaking the deadlock midway through the first half when Max Brogan’s driven effort from the edge of the box beat Fisher but struck the post.

Kidderminster took the lead in the 35th minute following a scramble inside the six-yard box, with a deflected effort hitting the foot of Eccleston before rolling beyond Fisher.

Pools were reduced to 10 men in the opening stages of the second half when Eccleston was shown a second yellow card.

Substitute Cole Deeming came close to restoring parity inside the final 10 minutes, but the midfielder dragged his effort narrowly wide of Jake Wint’s far post.

Kidderminster sealed the victory with five minutes remaining when Stewart rose to meet Ethan Moore’s dinked cross, heading past Fisher from close range.

Pools are back in league action on Wednesday evening when they travel to Altrincham (KO 7.45 BST)

HUFC XI: Fisher, Hunter © (Hugill 46’), McNally, Ilunga, Miley, Harris (Bondo 75’), Eccleston, Sheron, Nolan (Deeming 51’), Popov (Benn 51’), Gibson.

Subs not used: Smith, Penman, Thornton.