HARRIERS missed out on a big chance to record another Aggborough win after they surrendered a 1-0 lead in a 2-1 defeat to FC United of Manchester.

The Reds had gone in to an early lead thanks to an Ed Williams goal, but a deflected brace from Jack Bannister turned the tie on its head before the break.

Ashley Chambers and Joe Ironside had chances to pull themselves back level, but the visitors held firm to see out their win.

Williams' goal was the first real chance of the game and it was a strike of real quality as he he teed up the ball from a free-kick before curling a beauty into the top corner from distance.

Bradley, a minute later, was denied by Allinson as the hosts looked for a quick double - Chambers then firing wide up at the other end with still only nine on the clock.

In between those efforts, though, United might have levelled when Hall parried strongly from Donohue but into the path of Simoes, who scuffed the rebound wide. It was enough to give the visitors the impetus, and they were level on 19 minutes when Banister raced through and finished beyond Hall, his shot taking a deflection the way.

Bradley then fired over for Harriers before, from distance, a lovely rising effort from Weeks beat Allinson put clattered off the top of the post. Those would be chances the hosts were left to rue when, on 32, Banister tucked away his second after his shot looped up off Johnson and beyond the helpless Hall.

United held firm after the break and kept Harriers at bay, with the best of the home side's chances coming in the dying minutes - the only exception being another shot for Chambers who, eleven after the restart, chipped Allinson only to see the ball skew wide of the post.

With 71 on the clock United thought they'd netted a third as substitute Crawford fired a shot off the bar - following up well with a rebound that Hall excellently kept out.

All Harriers could do was muster one, last, late charge and they had enough chances within it to win the game. In an eleven-minute spell, Johnson saw his header cleared off the line, and Ironside was denied when his low shot, after holding off his man, rolled an inch wide of the post.

The second of five added minutes produced more chances but after Ironside was thwarted by the feet of Allinson who saved defiantly before getting up to keep out Bradley's follow-up.

Those late heroics saw United claim their first win since August and just a second of the campaign.

Ahead of the visit of FC United Of Manchester to Aggborough, Harriers striker Ashley Chambers gave us his thoughts.

Harriers head into the match following a 2-1 victory against Bradford (Park Avenue) last weekend.

Connor Branson put the home side ahead at the Horsfall stadium, but a late Ed Williams brace sent Harriers home with all three points.

Reflecting on the game, Chambers was delighted that Harriers were able to get the victory.

"They're on a good run of form and they are always difficult to beat at home, so to go there and win was brilliant," said Chambers.

"It was another fantastic effort from the whole squad and to come away with the three points was a brilliant effort".

Attacker Chambers is happy with the competition for places in the Harriers team, particularly in attacking areas.

"...We will approach it like we always do in a professional manner, and go out there and put on a performance..." Ashley Chambers

As well as the former Nuneaton striker, Harriers have Dan Bradley, Kane Richards and Joe Ironside vying for a starting place amongst Harriers attack.

"It's good to have that competition as it keeps everyone on their toes," admitted Chambers.

"We have to strive to keep that starting shirt if given it, and we have to keep going as it is only going to benefit the team to have so many attacking options".

FC United head into the match following a difficult start to the season, where they have picked up one victory from their opening twelve league matches, finding themselves sitting at the foot of the National League North table.

However, Chambers stressed the importance of approaching the game in the correct manner.

"It's been a difficult start for them, but there is never an easy game," said Chambers.

"We will approach it like we always do in a professional manner, and go out there and put on a performance.

"You can't just turn up on Saturdays and come away with three points, we will have to do everything that we have been doing and show everyone what we are about and what we are trying to achieve this year".

Dan Bradley has resumed light training following an illness, and Ryan Johnson has returned to the group following his international duty, where he was part of a Northern Ireland U21s side that claimed a 1-0 over Slovakia U21s.

WATCH: Ashley Chambers' full pre-match video interview, courtesy of our YouTube channel, by clicking the video tab above.