Harriers win round one

Kidderminster Harriers secured a fantastic Boxing Day derby win against Hereford United at Edgar Street this afternoon.  The Harriers, backed by 755 festive inspired fans who were in fine voice, could've had more than the eventual one goal although Danny Lewis made some superb saves to keep a clean sheet at the other end.

In a surprise to all, Harriers defender Josh Gowling kept his place in the starting line-up, despite going off injured against Dartford in the 5-1 win at the weekend.  Whether this was a calculated measure to confuse their opposition this afternoon, or a late fitness test is unknown, but Gowling played his part in the win by being solid at the back.

With the close proximity of the clubs it's no surprise that Hereford's line-up featured a few ex-Harriers players, with Brian Smikle starting up front for the Bulls, and James McQuilkin on the bench.  The non-league journeyman forward also helped lead the line for Hereford, with little to show for it.

Harriers started the game brightly and within six minutes they had snatched a lead they wouldn't relinquish.  A corner was worked into the box and, after it bobbled around the area, the ball fell to Jamille Matt and, in his fine form, it was no surprise when the ball found its way past James Bittner in the Hereford goal to send the Harriers fans into raptures at the other end of the, er, stadium.

It was then Hereford who attacked for the rest of the half, with Harriers chances sparse.  Marley Watkins and lanky midfielder Sam Clucas were a thorn in the side of the Harriers midfield, with them attempting to carve out chances for Kyle Perry and Smikle who couldn't make the most of them  The latter drawing a superb save from Lewis who tipped his shot over the bar.

Then came the biggest chance for Hereford of the game, and it came from one of the Harriers defenders.  Watkins worked a ball into the box and, in an attempt to block it, the ball came off Cheyenne Dunkley with power and Lewis had to have sharp reactions to keep the ball out.

It was mainly through free-kicks and corners that Hereford threatened from but failed to make the most of them and with thick black clouds looming the Harriers went into the break leading by that solitary Matt opener.

The second half saw a reversing of fortunes and the Harriers created far more chances.  Watkins hit the outside of the right post with a drive from twenty five yards but from then on, it was all Harriers.

A good spell of pressure from the Harriers, which saw the fans noise rise in anticipation of a potential goal and a torrential downpour from a black cloud that had parked itself overhead Edgar Street (photo above), saw the ball worked across the area but Anthony Malbon missed the goal from the right side of the area.

Time and time again in the second half the Harriers would look to break, typical of the Harriers in second halves of recent years.  Matt worked hard leading the line late on but sometimes tried to do too much which was his downfall.  Ricky Shakes also saw a lot of the ball in the second half, but unfortunately his failure to beat his man meant he had a poor game, along with his passing being hit and miss.

Harriers continued their pressure on the home side for the rest of the half without ever really creating any more clear cut openings and ran out eventual winners.

Forest Green Rovers are our next opponents on the 29th December (5.15 K.O) with the game being live on Premier Sports.  Hopefully another large Harriers contingent will travel down and another three points will go onto the board in our bid for the playoffs or the title.

 Goal for Harriers: Matt 6

REFEREE:

Mr B Huxtable Devon