Harriers fail to win at Barrow again

Kidderminster Harriers slipped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Barrow on a miserable day in Cumbria.  The last time we won up there was in March 1999.  Two fantastic goals from Louis Almond were enough to see off a Harriers side who were chasing the game for long periods.

For Harriers, Nick Wright who was our best player by miles, was dropped to the bench in favour of Mark Albrighton.  Chris McPhee started on the left of midfield, changing from his centre back position on Tuesday night against Kettering Town, and up front were Lee Morris and Jamille Matt.  Former Harriers loanee Marc Goodfellow lined up for Barrow.

Under heavy rain and strong winds it was paramount that Harriers used the advantage of having the wind 'behind them' in the first half.  Keith Briggs hit the post after seven minutes, when Matt Blair's cross was headed down by McPhee, but this was the closest to goal that Harriers would get in the first half.  Shortly afterwards Tom Sharpe pulled up with a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Michael Briscoe who was supposed to be recovering from an injury of his own.

Wearing the same shirt number as Gatesheads' star man last week, 26, Almond was far and away the best player on the   The 18 year-old on loan from Premiership Blackpool opened the scoring after 17 minutes.  Almond cutting quickly inside Tom Shaw and out of nothing hitting a blistering strike across the goal into the top corner from 25 yards.

Before half time Morris failed to score from a one-on-one for Harriers and Almond tried another spectacular effort, but this time it was straight at Danny Lewis.  Jamille Matt was booked for a stupid, unnecessary foul which must be put down to inexperience.  Following this correct decision, the referee went on to have an excellent game.

A really scrappy second half ensued with Kidderminster the better side without really dominating or creating clear chances.  Chris McPhee had one chance from a Tom Shaw long ball, but was unable to direct it away from the Hastings-based goalkeeper Clark Masters.

Ten minutes in to the second period Almond struck again and any hopes of a Harriers win faded.  As had happened for the whole of the game, Kidderminster defenders allowed the home side time and space and the youngster made the Harriers pay with a brilliant driven shot from the same 25-yard distance as his first.

Barrow were now keeping possession much better and the two-goal lead allowed them some breathing space and freedom to play some more attractive football - in turn frustrating Harriers players.

Jamille Matt was replaced by Nick Wright and Jack Byrne picked up an injury before being switched for Callum Gittings.

The Harriers did manage to get one back through substitute Nick Wright with a ping-pong in the area and the ball landed at his feet before he shot and, after more than one deflection, the shot ended in the net.

The game petered out without any incidents of note.  It was however nice to see Keith Briggs shake hands with members of the crowd and thank the travelling Harriers for their support.

We have a quick chance of revenge next Saturday when Barrow visit us.  Michael Briscoe won't be available for the game though because he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season towards the end of the game.

 Goals for Barrow: Almond 17, 54
 Goal for Harriers: Wright 79

REFEREE:

Mr J Collin Merseyside