ALTRINCHAM played some neat football at Kidderminster but went down 3-2 to their full-time hosts.

The defeat saw the Robins drop to 15th in National League North as poor defending cost them dearly as they conceded three times in the first half.

They went behind after just 42 seconds when goalkeeper Elliot Wynne spilt a shot and Kidderminster's Ed Williams comfortably netted the loose ball from close range.

Although Altrincham were again without top scorer Jordan Hulme in their starting XI, and Simon Richman was sidelined by a hamstring problem, they deservedly equalised in the 24th minute.

Crewe Alexandra loanee Owen Dale got past his marker on the right wing and his low cross ran to John Johnston who levelled with a well-placed low shot.

But, Altrincham's hard work was undone as they conceded two poorly defended goals in the final 10 minutes before the interval. Firstly, they allowed Kidderminster's Ryan Johnson to advance and feed Dan Bradley and from the left of goal the striker hit a low shot across Wynne and into the far corner.

And, just before the break, Altrincham's defence parted again and Williams' threaded ball allowed Ashley Chambers to convert a routine chance.

The interval score flattered the hosts but Alty made it look a little more realistic when Max Harrop's 25-yard free kick deflected off a defender and into the net, just eight minutes into the second half.

Despite several close shaves, which included James Jones hitting the post and a strong Altrincham penalty appeal when substitute Josh Hancock was bundled over, the Harriers held on for a narrow victory.

Altrincham host an FA Cup clash with Bradford (Park Avenue) on Saturday.

ALTRINCHAM: Wynne, White, Hampson, Jones, Hannigan, Moult, Johnston, Williams, Peers, Harrop, Dale. Subs: Hancock, Hulme, Goulding, Poole, Thompson.