Harriers make hard work of beating Alfreton

The Harriers climbed the table further to reach second place today as they comfortably saw off Alfreton Town 3-1 on a chilly afternoon at Aggborough.

The only change in the squad was in midfield as Danny Jackman replaced Danny Pilkington while Ricky Shakes continued his run at right back in Lee Vaughan's absence through injury.

It was a perfect start for the Harriers after loanee Amari Morgan-Smith fired home with but a minute on the clock.  A ball was hit over the top and after Anthony Malbon initially couldn't control, Morgan Smith took it from him and flicked the ball over the defender before powering home for the Reds.

The Harriers controlled the game for the opening minutes yet Alfreton slowly grew into the game.  They managed to threaten the Harriers keeper Danny Lewis through Paul Clayton, but the stopper did well to keep the score at one-nil.

Despite this minor setback the Harriers pushed on to double the lead.  Marvin Johnson first shooting over as he volleyed, coming off the flank, something the wide-man did frequently to obtain possession in the dangerous areas.

Around the twenty-five minute mark the Harriers centre backs almost combined to score a second Reds goal.  Josh Gowling headed the ball across goal after he benefited from a goal mouth pinball session following a corner.  The ball almost fell to his partner Cheyenne Dunkley at the back post, but he couldn't convert the chance.

After half an hour it was Alfreton who got the games next goal though.  Ex-Red Dan Bradley capitalised from his teams counter attack as he crossed in towards Ben Tomlinson.  The Alfreton forward beat his man and headed the ball past Lewis to level the scores.

The visitors weren't level for long though as Gowling hit the Harriers second goal.  Kyle Storer took an in swinging free kick which was met by Gowling on the edge of the six yard box.  The centre back hit his free header past the Alfreton 'keeper Barnes, who could only watch the effort fly past him after he injured himself moments before.  The keeper had been injured earlier in the game and wouldn't return for the second half.

The Harriers tried to pile more misery on the 'keeper through James Vincent.  Good work down the Harriers left saw a cross into Malbon in a central position who knocked it down to Vincent.  He did well to run on to the ball, but his shot cleared the south stand.

Just before half time though, the Harriers did get the fourth goal of the match.  Marvin Johnson had a powerful run down the left and he crossed it towards the back post.  Waiting there was poacher Malbon who continued his scoring run to tap home and join Rowe as the top scorer for the Reds this term.

The second half was more professional from the Reds as they looked to shut Alfreton out and go on to win the game.  This plan was almost ruined when Bradley was presented with a one on one against Lewis.  He curled the effort wide though.

Second half substitute Nathan Blissett powered through the Alfreton defence on the hour mark and worked the ball to Anthony Malbon.  The striker should've scored though as he saw his volley saved by substitute 'keeper Lee Franks, and then missed his chipped attempt from the rebound.

Soon after though Alfreton saw Theo Streete sent off for violent conduct after he clashed with an head butt on Harriers defender Josh Gowling.  Gowling also saw yellow for his involvement.

The Harriers went straight up the other end of the pitch and almost put the game away from any doubt through January signing Danny Jackman.  Kyle Storer played a lovely weighted ball through to Anthony Malbon who laid off Jackman behind him, but his powerful shot came straight back off the 'keeper.

The Harriers pushed right at the end through a Vincent effort which was well saved by the Alfreton goalkeeper and through two speculative efforts from Kyle Storer, but both sailed over.

The game was over at half time and Alfreton looked good on occasions, but really failed to step up to the mark and test the gloves of Lewis often.  At the same stroke we failed to do likewise to Franks and considering Alfreton only had ten men on the field that was a disappointing aspect of the afternoon.

At the end of the day it's another three points for the Reds, the others have to catch up but perhaps points on the board will prove to be better than potential points from any games in hand.

 Goals for Harriers: Morgan-Smith 1, Gowling 38, Malbon 45,
 Goal for Alfreton: Tomlinson 29

REFEREE:

Mr C Kavanagh Lancashire