FA Cup heroes Kidderminster were given a harsh reminder of life in the Third Division when Rhys Day's fourth goal of the season stretched promotion chasing Mansfield's successful run to just one defeat in 10 league games - and ended Harriers' hopes of a third successive league win.
But Kidderminster, who earned an FA Cup replay against Premiership outfit Wolves just a week earlier, almost repeated their heroics to snatch a point from a poor game.
In a tense finish, Dean Bennett's first-time 70th minute volley swerved narrowly wife and then the striker's close-range shot was blocked inside the six-yard area by Bobby Hassell.
Mansfield's full back then repeated his fine defending deep into injury time to deny the striker yet again.
But the Stags hung on for their third 1-0 win in four games, and afterwards assistant manager John Gannon said: "We are delighted with the win. It was a difficult day for us, we were not at our best by a long stretch." Harriers had given a debut to former Mansfield hero Adam Murray, who scored seven goals in 13 games as they clinched promotion two years earlier, and also brought back ex-Stags' defender Matt Gadsby into a five-man midfield.
And the busy Murray, a former England Under 20 international, gave the home side plenty of problems in an otherwise quiet start, his probing passes a constant threat.
The best pass came in the 10th minute when his astute flick released Adie Smith down the right, but his low, near post cross was just collected by the under pressure Kevin Pilkington.
In the 18th minute Mansfield at last produced the first shot of the game, but Tom Curtis' tame strike on the turn was easily saved by Stuart Brock.
The game finally sprung to life in the 23rd minute. Lee Williamson tugged down Murray as he raced into the area to reach Scott Stamps' left wing cross, but Graham Ward's penalty was held by Pilkington as he dived low to his left.
Just three minutes later Harriers were made to pay for Ward's weak spot kick when Mansfield snatched the lead, Day climbing the highest to head Liam Lawrence's deep free kick into the top corner via the fingertips of keeper Brock.
Day with another header, Iyseden Christie with a low drive saved at the second attempt and Wayne Corden with two long range curlers almost doubled Mansfield's lead before Harriers' late rally.
The only black mark at the final whistle for Mansfield was a quartet of needless bookings for Curtis (handball), Williamson (foul), Lawrence (dissent) and Hassell (time wasting), who will now all miss the Stags' next home match against Southend United.
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