John Hollins' basement club had to work hard to keep Kidderminster at bay, particularly during the first half, before registering their third away success of the campaign.
The defeat ruined shot-shy Harriers' bid to continue their recent upturn in fortunes which had seen them collect successive victories over Southport and Morecambe.
Hard working Simon Russell, who scored Kidderminster's winner when they won 1-0 in the corresponding match last season, was often involved in his side's frequent attacks which gave Crawley's defence several anxious moments.
The lively midfielder helped fashion a well rehearsed free-kick routine in the eighth minute which resulted in a 22-yard shot from Jake Sedgemore sailing over the bar.
Russell then linked up Sedgemore to send over a cross which Andy White just failed to meet with his head. A couple of moments later front-runner White managed to connect to another teasing Russell cross, but his close range header flew over the bar.
Battling Kidderminster continued to hold the upper hand with Gavin Hurren and Iyseden Christie producing a dangerous build-up which led to a curling shot from Russell being pushed away by goalkeeper Ben Hamer for a fruitless corner.
A minute later Russell latched on to a headed clearance before unleashing a 16-yard volley which went just wide.
Johnny Harkness also had a free kick narrowly miss the target shortly before the half-hour mark which arrived without Crawley having conjured up a serious shot on goal.
Harriers remained on top for the rest of the first period with Christie twisting his way past three defenders before firing in a shot which Hamer managed to knock over for an unproductive corner.
McClen saw his 25-yard effort whistle over the bar and Hurren had an effort deflected over by Ben Judge before injury-hit Crawley had Dannie Bulman booked shortly before the break for a foul on Michael Blackwood.
Despite being in charge for the entire first half, Harriers found themselves a goal down in the 49th minute when Rendell scored from the spot. It had been awarded when a volley by Lee Blackburn hit Hurren on the hand.
Rendell sent goalkeeper Scott Bevan the wrong way, but referee Andy Turner spotted an infringement and ordered the kick to be re-taken. This time Rendell coolly sent Bevan the opposite way to give Crawley a lead which lifted their confidence to such a degree that they began giving the Harriers defence a more worrying time.
Bulman shot over and Michael Bostwick had an effort comfortably stopped by Bevan before Kidderminster began to settle down again after their penalty setback.
Christie headed a Sedgemore cross just over from in front of goal and Russell had a long range shot saved by Hamer as Crawley battled to keep their slender lead in tact.
Blackwood hooked an awkward bouncing ball wide and White curled a shot wide before Crawley forced their first corner in the 80th minute. By then Harriers had nine flag kicks to their credit.
In the last minute Bevan pulled off a fine save to deny Bostwick from adding to Rendell's penalty while in stoppage time Judge almost slice a clearance into his own net. He was indebted to a fine save by Hamer.
The defeat ruined shot-shy Harriers' bid to continue their recent upturn in fortunes which had seen them collect successive victories over Southport and Morecambe.
Hard working Simon Russell, who scored Kidderminster's winner when they won 1-0 in the corresponding match last season, was often involved in his side's frequent attacks which gave Crawley's defence several anxious moments.
The lively midfielder helped fashion a well rehearsed free-kick routine in the eighth minute which resulted in a 22-yard shot from Jake Sedgemore sailing over the bar.
Russell then linked up Sedgemore to send over a cross which Andy White just failed to meet with his head. A couple of moments later front-runner White managed to connect to another teasing Russell cross, but his close range header flew over the bar.
Battling Kidderminster continued to hold the upper hand with Gavin Hurren and Iyseden Christie producing a dangerous build-up which led to a curling shot from Russell being pushed away by goalkeeper Ben Hamer for a fruitless corner.
A minute later Russell latched on to a headed clearance before unleashing a 16-yard volley which went just wide.
Johnny Harkness also had a free kick narrowly miss the target shortly before the half-hour mark which arrived without Crawley having conjured up a serious shot on goal.
Harriers remained on top for the rest of the first period with Christie twisting his way past three defenders before firing in a shot which Hamer managed to knock over for an unproductive corner.
McClen saw his 25-yard effort whistle over the bar and Hurren had an effort deflected over by Ben Judge before injury-hit Crawley had Dannie Bulman booked shortly before the break for a foul on Michael Blackwood.
Despite being in charge for the entire first half, Harriers found themselves a goal down in the 49th minute when Rendell scored from the spot. It had been awarded when a volley by Lee Blackburn hit Hurren on the hand.
Rendell sent goalkeeper Scott Bevan the wrong way, but referee Andy Turner spotted an infringement and ordered the kick to be re-taken. This time Rendell coolly sent Bevan the opposite way to give Crawley a lead which lifted their confidence to such a degree that they began giving the Harriers defence a more worrying time.
Bulman shot over and Michael Bostwick had an effort comfortably stopped by Bevan before Kidderminster began to settle down again after their penalty setback.
Christie headed a Sedgemore cross just over from in front of goal and Russell had a long range shot saved by Hamer as Crawley battled to keep their slender lead in tact.
Blackwood hooked an awkward bouncing ball wide and White curled a shot wide before Crawley forced their first corner in the 80th minute. By then Harriers had nine flag kicks to their credit.
In the last minute Bevan pulled off a fine save to deny Bostwick from adding to Rendell's penalty while in stoppage time Judge almost slice a clearance into his own net. He was indebted to a fine save by Hamer.