That was our downfall. The inability to put our chances away.
It didn't help that Anthony Malbon was taken off injured mid way through the second half but the damage had been done by then and, to add insult to injury, all three of Alfretons goals were scored by ex Harriers in Dan Bradley and Tom Shaw.
On to Braintree then and a chance to put that game behind us. After the game it was mentioned by Steve Burr that Malbs injury wasn't as bad as first thought and he would be ok but we've heard that before.
The obvious choice to replace him, Ryan Rowe, has been sent out on long term loan to his old club Stourbridge following strong rumours of a bust up between himself and the gaffer. The next choice will be between Nathan Blissett and Joe Lolley but Blissett would probably get the nod due to Lolley's inexperience at this level. There is talk of Amari Morgan-Smith joining up with us again, this time on a permanent basis, but I don't think he'd be the answer we could be looking for.
Braintree have had a slightly better start than us having drawn their opening tie at Hereford, after leading for most of the game, and then beat Woking at home on Tuesday evening. The manager, Alan Devonshire, has bought a few players in for the new term but no one outstanding apart from the well travelled Liam Enver-Marum.
As for a result? I expect us to avoid losing for the second time in a week but think we'll only be getting a single point from the game. Early days yet though.
Teams:
Harriers from:
Lewis, N Vaughan, L Vaughan, Grimes, Dunkley, Demetriou, Gowling, Tolley, Storer, Fowler, Jackman, Lolley, Angus, Dance, Johnson, Malbon, Gittings, Gash, Blissett.
Braintree Town from:
McDonald, Hamann, Peters, Habergham, Isacc, Paine, Quinton, Symons, Davis, Holman, Marks, Sparkes, Daley, Carney, Massey, O'Connor, Mulley, Enver-Marum, Wells, Griffiths, Cox.
Talk about the game here
Links to Braintree Town websites here
Find Pubs around Kidderminster here
Find Hotels around Kidderminster here
