WHITES ended the month of September just as they had begun it - with back-to-back defeats.

Despite dominating much of their Blue Square Premier contest with Kidderminster Harriers, their failure to convert any of more than half-a-dozen chances they created meant their unbeaten home run came to an abrupt halt.

In stark contrast Michael Blackwood's 38th minute goal came from one of the visitors' few attacks on City's goal.

Whites started positively and could have gone ahead as early as the eighth minute when Robbie Matthews set up Michael Fowler, who took a neat touch before firing straight at Christopher McKenzie in the Harriers goal.

Fowler blasted well wide seven minutes later from the edge of the box after a long Scott Bartlett throw had been only half-cleared.

Last season's FA Trophy finalists had already given the hosts a scare - Ryan Clarke making a save at point-blank range to deny Blackwood.

But Whites continued to enjoy good spells of possession - Fowler found Bartlett, spraying an immaculate cross-field pass which Bartlett crossed first time towards Matthews. Unfortunately the striker just failed to get full purchase on the ball and it flashed wide of the target.

Harriers pressed again, forcing a series of corners but without ever really troubling the City goal.

On 35 minutes Bartlett, Matthews and Matt Tubbs combined well, before Tubbs' terrific strike was palmed away by McKenzie just out of reach of Luke Prince.

Moments later, the magnificent Matthews chased down another loose ball, his never-say-die attitude forcing a corner as Harriers again struggled to cope with the striker's presence.

But on 38 minutes the Whites supporters in another bumper Ray Mac crowd of more than 1,600 were silenced as the visitors did what City had failed to do.

A swift move ended with Blackwood hitting the target after latching onto Justin Richards' neat lay-off.

City looked to bounce back immediately and just before the break looked menacing as Tubbs was brought down outside the Harriers box.

Prince's free kick was cleared, but City continued to press.

Wayne Turk had a shot blocked and Bartlett's cross just eluded City's strikers as McKenzie claimed again.

Tim Bond replaced injured skipper Aaron Cook at the start of the second half, but the action was at the other end as Salisbury bombarded the Harriers box.

Tubbs saw a superb effort drift invitingly across the goalmouth, but for once, no one was on hand to tap the ball home.

Another lively move ended with Fowler heading wide after a good Prince cross following yet another clever touch by Tubbs, although Fowler might have done better to leave the ball for Matthews who was poised behind him.

The woodwork then denied Whites as Tubbs' header inside the box clipped the bar.

It was one of those days.

Bond was fortunate to escape punishment after what looked at least a bookable challenge on Kiddy's top scorer James Constable, as the striker led a rare raid on the City penalty box.

Liam Feeney replaced Prince on 66 minutes and with Marvin Brown on for Turk, Whites went with a three-pronged attack but still couldn't find a way through.

Brown, usually so clinical in front of goal, had a great opportunity to level on 83 minutes but he snatched at the ball and his miscued effort went wide.

Referee Keith Yeo caused unnecessary consternation late on after awarding a ridiculous drop ball in the penalty area. The bizarre decision prompting a delay that served only to further infuriate Whites on an already frustrating afternoon.

5:23pm Wednesday 10th October 2007

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