Harriers got their season off to a flying start with a well-deserved win at fancied York City, their first win at Bootham Crescent since 2002 and their first Opening Day away win since 1990.

Steve Burr's new-look side included eight players in the starting line-up who were making their debuts - only Danny Lewis, Jack Byrne and Chris McPhee had played before - and all three subs who came on were making their debuts also.

Harriers started brightly and were quickly into their stride.  Just nine minutes were on the clock when Callum Gittings opened the scoring with an inswinging corner from the right that deceived home 'keeper Michael and flew in at the far post.  Shortly afterwards Harriers should have doubled their lead; a pass through the inside-left channel split the City defence wide open and set Lee Morris clear, he broke into the penalty area but shot straight at Ingham.  Gittings also went close to repeating his earlier feat as harriers continued to dominate.  Keith Briggs and Morris combined to set up McPhee who shot straight at the keeper.

After the break City were more determined and did their best to get back into the game.  Richard Brodie did well to jink his way into the penalty area and create space for himself but really should have done better than to blast his shot high and wide.  At the other end a Dave Hankin cross from the right was dangerous but also just a fraction too far ahead of McPhee and Jack Byrne who were unable to convert it.

As City continued to press for an equaliser Brodie had another great chance but headed over when left unmarked.  Alex Lawless the pulled a good save from Lewis who pushed away his 25-yard shot.  Eventually the equaliser cam; with just seven minutes remaining the home team were awarded a controversial penalty as substitute Michael Rankine went to ground very easily under the challenge of Tom Shaw.  Rankine himself wrestled the ball away from Brodie to take the penalty; Lewis guessed correctly diving to his left to get a hand on the ball but was unable to keep it out.

The drama was not over, however, and with two minutes remaining Harriers themselves were awarded a penalty when ex-Harrier Duane Courtney needlessly bundled over McPhee.  Shaw came forward to take the spot-kick and despatched it firmly past Ingham who also dived the right way but got nowhere near the ball.  Harriers were able to see out the remaining time to spark scenes of great celebration both on the pitch and amongst the travelling support at the final whistle.