HARRIERS endured a difficult opening day of the National League season as three first-half goals condemned them to a 3-0 defeat at Hornchurch.
Paul Wotton’s side began positively and created an early opportunity of their own, but the afternoon quickly turned against them as the hosts struck three times in the space of 15 minutes.
Hornchurch threatened inside four minutes as a low effort was parried away well by Dave Richards, who then beat the resulting corner clear at his near post.
Harriers responded with a big opportunity four minutes later. Levi Amantchi turned smartly inside the area and let fly, only for Arthur Nasta to turn his effort aside.
Home skipper Tom Wraight sent a half-volley over the bar on 12 minutes before Hornchurch made the breakthrough seven minutes later, Joe Kizzi nodding home from close range.
The hosts doubled their advantage on 26 minutes. Harriers lost possession and were forced backwards before Angus MacDonald inadvertently diverted the ball beyond Richards.
A challenging spell was compounded eight minutes later as Makai Welch was afforded space on the edge of the area and picked his spot with a powerful finish beyond Richards.
Wotton made three changes at the interval as Lewis Walker, Olly Tipton and Callum Stewart replaced Reece Devine, Max Brogan and Zak Brown.
Hornchurch went close to adding a fourth shortly after the restart, with Henry Sandat steering an effort narrowly wide.
Harriers worked to find a way back into the contest, but the home side continued to carry a threat and created a succession of chances during the closing stages.
Myles Weston crossed well for the unmarked Sandat at the far post on 76 minutes, but the forward fired over before Richards saved well from his free header shortly afterwards.
Richards then parried away another Sandat attempt on 79 minutes, with Hornchurch striking the crossbar with the follow-up effort.
Harriers continued pushing until the end and almost found a consolation in the final minute. Tipton delivered a good cross into the area and Walker threw himself towards the ball, but was unable to guide his effort on target.
It ensured a disappointing beginning to the new campaign for Harriers, who will look to respond when Eastleigh visit Aggborough next weekend.