Harriers win but are made to work hard

Kidderminster Harriers battled hard to a 2-1 victory over a resurgent Hereford United in the festive Boxing Day clash at Aggborough.  After taking a 2-0 first half lead, Hereford fought hard in the second half and very nearly got back on level terms by the final whistle.

Aiming to prevent their fourth defeat on the bounce, Harriers made changes with one notable surprise being Micky Demetriou replacing the suspended Josh Gowling, with Jamie Grimes being on the bench.

Within minutes of the game starting the referee began his chequered record in the fixture by booking Lee Vaughan for an innocuous challenge on Frankie Artus.  Yet his consistency was later brought into question after letting more serious challenges go unpunished and not acting upon several potential handballs.

However it was from a free-kick that Harriers took the lead, Michael Gash curling an effort low around the wall into the bottom right corner beating Hereford goalkeeper, Dan Lloyd-Weston with nine minutes gone.

Joe Lolley had an effort well saved by Lloyd-Weston before Harriers were unlucky not to have a penalty awarded after an effort on goal was looked to have been blocked by the arm of former T.N.S. striker Chris Sharp.

Harriers extended their lead on twenty nine minutes with a well-worked team goal.  Danny Jackman, deputising for Demetriou at left-back, combined with Jack Byrne and Michael Gash to score.

In stark contrast to Harriers, who were in control of the half, Hereford rarely threatened and gave a performance worthy of their position in the Conference.

Yet despite rarely mustering attack in the first forty five minutes within four minutes of the second half 'The Bulls' had got a goal back.  A goalmouth meleé saw Josh O'Keefe force the ball home to start a half for Harriers that saw them just cling on to their lead.

The best chance of the forty five minutes of pressure fell to O'Keefe again who stabbed his effort wide late on, Hereford's inability to get shots on target meaning they were unable to turn their possession into goals.  Harriers' dropping deep when not in possession of the ball repeatedly gifted Hereford possession and chances, and something that will not be unpunished in the future.

With Luton next up for Harriers, at Kenilworth Road on Saturday 28th December, improvements will have to be made to stop high-flying Luton extending the points gap over the Harriers, with both sides still harbouring hopes of automatic promotion this season.

 Goals for Harriers: Gash 9, Jackman 29
 Goal for Hereford: O'Keefe 49

REFEREE:

Mr P Bankes Merseyside