The Skrill Premier

Kidderminster Harriers 3

Salisbury City 0

JOE Lolley’s hat-trick inspired Kidderminster Harriers to victory under new boss Andy Thorn as Salisbury City’s patient wait to kick-start the new year counted for nothing.

Following a two-week break, with a trio of games wiped out to the weather, City were eager to get 2014 underway but their plans for victory in Worcestershire were dampened by Harriers’ ruthless striker.

The 21-year-old, being watched by clubs across the Football League, single-handedly condemned the visitors to their seventh away defeat with a first half strike and two penalties late on.

His skill and pace led to a couple of early free-kicks heading his side’s way which came shortly before he broke the deadlock.

A left-footed strike, 20-yards from goal, hammered into the top corner 17 minutes into the game at the packed out Aggborough, giving Will Puddy no chance.

Ryan Brett conjured Salisbury’s best chance of the half but his promising effort swayed wide of Daniel Lewis’s post.

A tight match in midfield meant chances were lacking for either side. The arrivals of Elliott Frear and Rob Sinclair, both back from injury, bolstered Salisbury’s attacking options in search of a priceless point. And Jamie White also urged them forward but any realistic chance of claiming a result were spoilt by two soft penalties being committed by their defenders.

Lolley capitalised on James Clarke’s foul in the 75th minute, then he confirmed the match ball prize 11 minutes later, this time Angus MacDonald was the culprit.

“I was very disappointed with the second and third goals we conceded, which were individual mistakes from our players,” said head coach Mikey Harris, whose side slip into tenth position in The Skrill Premier.

“It’s rare that I single players out but when the mistakes are that obvious they know they’ve cost us. And it’s very disappointing as we cannot afford to make individual errors.

“It was probably a tighter game than the scoreline suggests. And it was pleasing to see all three of my substitutes, back from injury, get a run out.”

• Salisbury host lacklustre Dartford on Saturday (3pm).

Salisbury (4-5-1): Puddy, MacDonald, Clarke, Wilson (c), Hart (White 72), Lewis, Kamdjo, Wellard (Frear 59), S.Sinclair, Brett (R.Sinclair 72), McPhee.

Subs not used: Bittner, Feeney.

Att: 2,034.

Referee: Anthony Backhouse.