HARRIERS made it back-to-back Easter victories with a hard-earned 2-1 win at AFC Telford United on Monday.

The Reds responded well after falling behind early on to secure another important three points to follow up the home win against Hereford on Friday.

Adam Murray’s side showed character throughout, recovering from a difficult start to turn the game on its head before managing the second half professionally, especially after the Bucks were reduced to ten men.

The visitors started brightly and were first to threaten on three minutes, George Walker doing well to get beyond his man and deliver into the area where David Davis saw an effort blocked.

Telford responded soon after, Remi Walker driving low from the edge of the area, but Rhys Lovett was down well to make a smart save.

The hosts took the lead on ten minutes when Khanya Leshabela reached the byline and crossed for Remi Walker, who was left unmarked to finish from close range.

Harriers settled again after that setback and began to grow into the contest, with Kieren Donnelly firing over after cutting inside as the visitors looked for a route back into the game.

That response arrived on 21 minutes in fine style. An Owen Evans ball in the area caused uncertainty in the Telford defence and it dropped kindly for Charlie Cooper, who produced a superb, volleyed finish into the far corner to level matters.

Harriers continued to press and nearly forced an immediate turnaround on the half-hour mark, George Walker closing down Josh Gracey and nipping in to win the ball, only for the goalkeeper to recover well and make the block.

Telford threatened on the break shortly after, Ola Lawal opting to shoot rather than square when released, but his effort found only the side netting.

Harriers made their pressure count six minutes before the break. A headed short ball back from Jordan Piggott caught Telford out, with Donnelly alert to the opportunity. The forward reacted sharply, rounding Gracey before finishing calmly to put Harriers ahead.

The second half saw Harriers control large periods of the game, and they were handed a further boost on 53 minutes when Jamie Meadows was shown a straight red card after bringing down George Walker when through on goal.

Cooper tested Gracey from the resulting free-kick, his effort on target but beaten away by the Telford goalkeeper.

Despite being down to ten men, the hosts remained a threat, but Harriers continued to create opportunities, Donnelly stretching to meet a cross at the far post only for Reece Devine to intervene and divert wide.

Lovett was called into action again late on, producing a composed save from distance to preserve the lead.

There was still time for late drama in stoppage time as Harriers were awarded a penalty after Seb Thompson was fouled in the area, but Amari Morgan-Smith saw his effort saved by Gracey.

It proved only a minor setback on an excellent afternoon as Harriers saw out the closing moments to secure a another big win on the road and a maximum points from the Easter fixtures.