OXFORD United's Conference title hopes were virtually extinguished by a second successive home defeat at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday night.

Midfielder Simon Russell hit a brilliant goal from 30 yards five minutes from time to bring Kidderminster Harriers a 1-0 victory.

Billy Turley had earlier saved a first-half penalty from Iyseden Christie.

With Dagenham & Redbridge coming from behind to win at St Albans, Oxford's automatic promotion hopes have all but disappeared, and they will need to show their character now to make sure they claim a play-off place.

Yemi Odubade missed two good chances in the second half, while Rob Duffy had a 22-yard chip tipped over by keeper Stephen Taylor.

Kidderminster were good value for their win, though, with Russell Penn outstanding in their midfield.

Jim Smith was sent to the stand by the referee in the second half after offering his glasses to a linesman who had just given a dubious offside decision, the ref failing to see the funny side of it.

The U's manager could now face a touchline ban.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Corcoran, L Foster, Gilchrist, Brevett, Odubade, Pettefer, M Foster (Burgess 59), Rose (Anaclet 59), Duffy (Hargreaves 59), Robinson. Subs not used: Tardif, Day.

Att: 4,542 (180 from Kidderminster)