Luke Jones grabbed his first goal in Harriers' colours as his side were held in an entertaining Bank Holiday Monday draw at Burton Albion.

The home side took the lead through top scorer Greg Pearson in the first-half, before Matthew Barnes-Homer levelled maters with his first of the season on 76 minutes.

Burton were back in front within two minutes but Jones' first goal as a Harrier nine minutes from time secured a deserved draw, that was almost much more.

Harriers were confident throughout and were at it from the off - David McDermott's deadly through-ball put in Justin Richards but the striker found his route to goal blocked by the home defence.

Inside the first half an hour, Harriers had several good chances to take the lead - Russell Penn lashed a shot wide, Richards forced a good hold from goalkeeper Kevin Poole whilst Jones and Barnes-Homer headed over from good positions.

Somewhat against the run of play, though, Burton went ahead on 32 minutes - it was the first time the Harriers defence had been found wanting against the pacey home attack and they were made to pay as PEARSON slotted home well past Bartlett after picking up Jody Banim's low cross into the box.

The response from the visitors was good - Martin Brittain forced a good save from Poole with a half-volley before ex-Droylsden man Banim stung the hands of Adam Bartlett in the Harriers goal with a rasping drive.

Burton seemed comfortable with their one-goal lead and were sluggish in starting the second period whilst Harriers were brighter and saw Richards get in two early chances after the re-start.

Seven minutes after the hour mark, the ever-dangerous Brittain was again amongst things - he curled a beauty of a free-kick around the Albion wall, beat Poole but also his far post as the ball went whizzing wide.

Nine minutes further on, Harriers found themselves level;  lovely work from sub Darryl Knights got Richards in front of goal and he gently eased the ball into the path of BARNES-HOMER who made no mistake from close range.

But Harriers seemingly celebrated their goal a little too long - within moments they were behind again, Pearson was able to get a great shot away that Bartlett was equal to but the ball fell at the feet of BRAYFORD who capped a great performance for Albion by drilling the ball home.

The game became something of a 'blink and you miss it' affair - just four minutes later it was 2-2 - another wonderful delivery from out-wide by Brittain found JONES who headed the ball towards goal - Darren Stride desperately hooked the ball away from behind the line - the referee's assistant ruled that the ball had crossed the line and awarded the goal.

Sensing the chance of a late win, Harriers went within inches of a third goal in the closing stages after the energetic Smikle was fed the ball in front of goal but, unable to control it quickly enough the youngster only managed to scoop it over the bar.