Steve Burr felt justice was done as Harriers edged the battle of two late penalties to secure a 2-1 opening day win at York on Saturday afternoon.

Callum Gittings had fired the visitors ahead early on and Harriers had looked good for three points before York levelled through a soft penalty.

Just when you thought the spoils would end up shared, back up the other end Harriers had a penalty of their own with Tom Shaw silencing the home fans by slamming home the winner.

Speaking after the game, Burr felt the three points were a worthy return for his side's endeavour - and he got bagfuls of that.

"For the first game of the season it is important you get off to a good start," he said.

"I thought the lads were terrific today. York just missed out on promotion last year so this is a difficult place to come - we have a very happy dressing room.

"The disappointing thing was that we didn't get that second goal [in the first half] to give us a bit of a cushion because we knew there would be stages of the game where York would put us under pressure.

"But I felt, in the first half in particular, we moved the ball about well and could have two or three easily.

"Some of our football was excellent and I'm really pleased with that.

"For their penalty Martin Foyle looked at me as much as to say 'we've been fortunate there', and thankfully we got one and Tom Shaw has put it away.

"I think that was justice today."

Before the late madness kicked in, Harriers had to dig in to keep out a York side who finished the game with three at the back and three up front, going all out to get back into things.

Tackles were flying, saves were being made and blows were taken, but the manager insists this will be the way of things if his side are to achieve in the new Blue Square Bet Premier.

He added: "There is more to football than just attacking and defensively I thought we were solid.

"Danny Lewis pulled off some great saves when he was called upon and the back-four stayed solid, but as a team you saw the work-rate from the players and every one of them worked their socks off.

"I must save some special praise for Callum Gittings. Considering this time last year the lad was playing at Alvechurch, the performance he's put in today was fantastic.

"I can't fault anybody and that's what it has to be this season - we've got no lads who think they're better than they are here and it was nice to send the supporters home happy."