HARRIERS finally lit the home fires in the National League North with an nerve-shredding victory over Stalybridge.

There was a palpable sense of relief around Aggborough as John Eustace’s side hung on for three points and finally bagged a first home win.

The Reds produced a Jekyll and Hyde display, marred by Ashley Carter’s sending off, but a tenacious second-half performance will stand them in good stead for the challenges ahead.

And the supporters finally got what they had been dreaming of – victory in Kidderminster.

Last season Harriers’ patient faithful had to wait nine games to see their team triumph in Wyre Forest.

It was understandable that after two frustrating matches at the Hoo Road venue this season their patience was wearing thin.

But there was no suggestion of the drama to come after a comfortable first half saw their heroes streak into a 2-0 lead.

The visitors lined up with two banks of five and showed no ambition to attack. The hosts’ pressure finally told in the 15th minute.

Keith Lowe’s long-range effort ricocheted to Mani Dieseruvwe, who smashed a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Tyrone Williams doubled their lead in the 35th minute when he rose unmarked to head home from an Arthur Gnahoua corner.

Gnahoua wasted a great chance to put the game beyond Celtic 60 seconds after half time when he raced clear but crossed instead of shooting.

That miss was a turning point as Celtic pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute when Nick Ryan prodded home from a free-kick.

To make matters worse, hothead Carter was given a red card after he squared off against Aaron Chalmers and now faces a three-match suspension.

For a spell the hosts wobbled but did not break and then nearly extended their lead when Tyrell Waite cut in menacingly from the right and slammed in a shot that keeper Tony McMillan turned over the bar.

Wayne Thomas made his competitive Kidderminster start as a substitute and his commanding presence guided the hosts over the line.

Eustace said: “The lads were magnificent in the second half and showed great character and I am delighted with the win.

“It was a disappointing start to the second half though and the manner Ashley was sent off was very disappointing.”

HARRIERS: Hornby 6, Williams 7, Francis-Angol 7, Carter 5, Lowe 7, Tunnicliffe 7, Waite 7, McQuilkin 6, Dieseruvwe 6, Ngwatala 6 (Thomas, 84), Gnahoua 6 (Croasdale, 70). Subs not used: Austin, Truslove, Brown.

STALYBRIDGE: McMillan, Wylie, Kelly, Chalmers, Ryan, Platt (Pilkington, 46 (Sherlock, 68), Hynes, Wisdom, Owens (Farrell, 39), Tames, Mukendi.

Subs not used: Bagshaw, Sherlock.

Referee: Ricky Wootton Attendance: 1185 On Saturday Harriers travel to Boston United and then take on Altrincham at Aggborough. Both Vanarama National League North fixtures will kick-off at 3pm.