EASTLEIGH are into the FA Cup first round for only the second time in the club’s history.

Jai Reason’s 14th-minute screamer was the difference as Conference rivals Kidderminster Harriers – who reached the fourth round last season – were beaten at the Aggborough Stadium.

Reason’s fifth of the season, a right-footed half volley into the top left corner, secured Eastleigh's first away win since the opening day of the season and means they are in the first round for the first time since 2010.

When Jamie Collins’ cross was headed away, he produced a sumptuous strike worthy of winning the FA Cup final, never mind a fourth qualifying round tie.

Reason also produced the other moment of genuine quality during the opening period.

His 34th -minute free-kick from the left side of the Kidderminster penalty area that was tipped over the bar by Danny Lewis Stuart Fleetwood was also a threat, particularly on the counter attack.

After having a shot charged down he went on a surging run from midway inside his own half, but lacked the final ball to McAllister.

Ross Flitney had little to do before half-time other than punch clear a free kick, although he was relieved to see Reece Styche’s cross flash across the face of his goal as the interval approached.

A foul by Kidderminster striker Michael Gash injured Collins, forcing the midfielder’s withdrawal on the stroke of half time.

His replacement, James Constable, fired over the bar at the beginning of an entertaining second half.

And Fleetwood, having replaced Collins on the left of midfield, hit the underside of it with a deflected 30-yarder in the 54th minute, soon after Kidderminster had a penalty appeal turned down.

Chances continued to be created at both ends. Flitney dived low to his left to keep out an effort from Josh O’Keefe and McAllister’s side-footed shot was saved by a diving Lewis after Constable pulled the ball back from the byline.

Flitney’s next stop was a sensational reaction save. Soon after Kidderminster had a goal disallowed, a cross from substitute Nathan Blissett – a cousin of Luther – was met by Styche, whose bullet header was saved at point-blank range.

But Eastleigh were worthy winners and could have won by more Fleetwood missed the chance to double the lead when he failed to make contact with Constable’s cross at the near post.

Yemi Odubade, having replaced McAllister, was twice denied in the last ten minutes, with Constable also firing beyond the far post from Reason’s slide-rule pass before volleying over.

Eastleigh: Flitney; Evans, Beckwith, Reid, Green; Reason, Stanley, Strevens, Collins (Constable 45); Fleetwood, McAllister (Odubade 70)

Attendance: 1489