KURT Willoughby netted his first Aggborough goal in Harriers colours as Adam Murray’s men produced another encouraging pre-season display with a 1-0 victory over Halesowen Town.

The front man struck the winning goal just after the hour with a composed effort across the goalkeeper – a reward for an energetic showing that had earlier seen him come within inches of opening the scoring in spectacular fashion.

That near-moment came midway through the first period, when he latched on to a smart through-ball only to see his low drive cannon against one post, then the other, before bouncing clear.

The Reds were on the front foot for large spells, Dan Mooney and Joe Foulkes lively in the opening stages as they combined well down the right. Mooney had an early strike blocked before Foulkes crossed for Willoughby to nod wide.

Jason Adigun also showed positive intent with a low drive that curled wide, while another eye-catching move saw Mooney and Foulkes link once again to feed Willoughby in the six-yard box – this time the striker’s effort was blocked.

At the other end, Christian Dibble was equal to the Yeltz’s first real attempt, Jason Cowley firing into the side-netting.

Kyle Finn tested Dibble with a dipping free-kick that required a smart touch over the bar, but Harriers had arguably the clearer chances before the break, including a sharp Devine volley that rose over after Halesowen failed to clear a cross.

After the restart, Emeka Obi went close with a header from a corner before Willoughby’s breakthrough on 67 minutes – the striker threaded through well, taking a neat touch and rifling a finish into the far corner.

There was still work to do late on as Halesowen pushed to level, Dibble making a strong double save in the closing moments to keep out both Finn and Luke Postle after a scramble inside the area.

The performance saw more important minutes in the tank for a strong Harriers XI — with Adam Murray’s men now rounding off pre-season with one final test at Aggborough on Saturday against National League side Solihull (1pm).