SALISBURY City bounced back from a somewhat rocky start to beat Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to 11 games and keeping them within spitting distance of a play-off place.

Liam Feeney and Robbie Matthews scored in quick succession midway through the first half to cancel out Russ Penn's 11th minute goal, however, the points could have been beyond City's reach had Ryan Clarke not already saved a fifth minute spot kick.

"You could say we made a slow start," said manager Nick Holmes.

"I think it was more the case that Kidderminster made a very fast start!

"But we certainly weren't on the pace during the opening 20 minutes. They hadn't played for a couple of weeks and had a freshness about them that we haven't really encountered for a while."

Aaron Cook conceded what Holmes believed was a debatable penalty, when Harriers skipper Penn got the better of the defender.

"I've seen it a few times now and although you could say that Aaron was clumsy, it was still a harsh decision."

Goalkeeper Clarke correctly judged which way Iyseden Christie was attempting to place his spot kick, earning him the praise of his boss.

"Ryan's made a good save. You have to say it was a poor penalty - the player didn't strike it well - but Ryan's guessed right and gone the right way and then, more importantly, held onto the ball."

However, the wake-up call wasn't heeded and City were indeed a goal down just six minutes later when Penn again caused his opposing captain problems.

Feeney, a stand-in striker due to the absence of the injured Matt Tubbs, put Whites back on level terms - his pace getting the better of Harriers' custodian Chris McKenzie allowing him to put the ball into an empty net.

Feeney then played a key part in City's winner, finished by Matthews for his second in two games.

"Our second was a terrific goal coming after three perfect passes," enthused Holmes.

"Our goals brought us to life and for the remainder of the half we played very well.

"We took the game to them and in the second half we always looked the side more likely to score again."