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HARRIERS secured their first league victory of the season on Sunday, beating early league leaders Wythenshawe FC 2-1.
Wythenshawe entered the contest unbeaten in the 2026-27 season, but Harriers made the most of their opportunities, with Amber Lawrence and Reia Henry finding the net before a late goal set up a tense finish.
Harriers took the lead inside eight minutes in spectacular fashion. Lawrence picked up the ball around 25 yards from goal and unleashed an outrageous strike that flew beyond the Wythenshawe goalkeeper and into the net.
The visitors almost responded immediately, forcing the Harriers defence into a series of blocks as several efforts came in quick succession. The final attempt went wide as Harriers survived the early pressure.
Wythenshawe continued to threaten as the half progressed, with much of the contest being fought in the centre of the pitch. Harriers remained dangerous on the break, and came close to a second after 37 minutes when Lawrence headed a cross into Mitcham's path. She got a shot away, but the goalkeeper gathered comfortably.
The second goal arrived shortly before the interval. Whittick's corner found Henry at the near end of the delivery, but her header initially drifted wide. Mitcham kept the ball in play and sent it back into the area, giving Henry another opportunity, which she converted with a well-placed header to double Harriers' advantage.
Harriers had the first real opening of the second half after 60 minutes when Henry sent the ball forward for Mitcham. The forward got onto the end of it and fired towards goal, but her effort cleared the crossbar.
Wythenshawe came within inches of reducing the deficit in the 72nd minute. A free kick from just outside the area was struck towards goal, only to curl away and come back off the post.
The pressure eventually told with six minutes remaining as Wythenshawe found a way through from close range, setting up a nervy final few minutes.
Harriers almost restored their two-goal cushion immediately afterwards. Robinson's cross caused problems in the area, but the Wythenshawe goalkeeper reacted quickly to punch the ball clear.
There was still time for further opportunities in stoppage time. Robinson's free kick from distance was gathered by the goalkeeper before she found space to break forward moments later, only to see her shot saved.
Wythenshawe pushed for an equaliser late on, but Harriers stood firm to see out the remaining minutes and secure a valuable 2-1 victory.
The result moves Harriers up to sixth in the league table and gives them their first three-point haul of the campaign.
Report by Milja Stevenson