A solid, professional performance ensured Kidderminster Harriers progression into the second round of the FA Trophy with a 2-0 win away at Matlock Town. In the second half Robbie Matthews scored a belter of a goal from twenty yards and Chris McPhee scored a stoppage time penalty to help the Harriers rake in £5,000 in prize money.
With quite a few regular players missing from the side the line-up was a mixture of firsts and reserves. Both Ryan Charles and Damian Spencer had been refused permission by their clubs to play and we also had Martin Riley missing due to suspension.
At the last minute we also had two players integral to the side having to pull out due to illness with David McDermott being admitted to hospital for tests. Dean Coleman was sent to the bench with a stomach bug but could be used in an emergency. His place was taken by Jasbir Singh who was making his debut for us.
An obvious gulf in class showed throughout as the away side dominated from start to finish. Early on Brian Smikle forced a save from the Matlock keeper, Aaron Jameson, with a testing low shot and this was followed by long spells of possession for the Harriers.
Darryl Knights and Chris McPhee both had efforts off target and Jasbir Singh was also tested thirty minutes in, in a short period where Matlock played some decent football. Singh showed particular bravery to collect a cross under pressure just under his bar.
Nathan Hayward completed the last attempt on goal just before half time with a simple header easily caught by Jameson.
Neither side had looked like scoring though and they went into the wooden shed all square and goal less.
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Aaron Farrell
