JACK Bearne's first professional career goal wasn't enough to rescue a point for Harriers as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Darlington.

The Quakers were in impressive form at Aggborough and were one of the strongest sides to visit Worcestershire this term.

That said, it was actually Harriers who started on the front foot, going close through Ashley Hemmings on just two minutes as he fired firmly at goal following a good knock-down from Amari Morgan-Smith, Taylor in goal equal to it with a good save.

Four minutes later it was Ethan Freemantle who worked Taylor as Morgan-Smith again supplied the ball. The former's drive was well saved, while Hemmings couldn't quite direct the follow-up.

At that stage, Darlington very much took control of proceedings, thumping the woodwork from distance through Lambert on 13 minutes before going close a number of times through Jacob Hazel. The lead was theirs on 42 minutes as Mark Beck picked up on a poor touch midfield from the Reds and rifled the ball beyond Palmer.

Hazel was denied Darlington's second on 54 minutes after Palmer blocked his effort well, Taylor likewise denying Morgan-Smith a leveller on the hour.

Eight minutes later, Darlington did push themselves further ahead. Felix's pace out wide was too much for Harriers, as was the striker's run as he burst in to tap home the low cross to score.

Harriers did pull one back with eight minutes to go. A Hemmings ball was inviting and, having gambled at the far post, Bearne got his rewards with a first-time finish from close range.

Tom Leak might've snatched a draw for Harriers in the final seconds, but his header from a corner went across goal and wide by a whisker.