The run continues

A magnificent display of persistence and desire earned Kidderminster Harriers a 1-1 draw away to Fleetwood Town.

After a frustrating first half, in which Ian Craney opened the scoring for Fleetwood with a fantastic volley from 20 yards, Harriers rallied and gained a well earned point through Jack Byrne's 79th minute header.

The game started with Kidderminster on top during the opening exchanges.  Whilst Fleetwood looked dangerous on the break the Harriers enjoyed long spells of possession without really testing the home side's stand in goalkeeper Scott Davies.  Callum Gittings had Harriers' best chance when, after going on a long mazy run past three defenders, he could only manage to scuff his shot wide when one-on-one with the 'keeper.

The Harriers continued as the team in control until, after 20 minutes, numerous Town players were allowed far too much time and space when, after a series of blocked shots and failed clearances, Craney found the ball and hit a looping volley over Danny Lewis into the far corner, earning the 'Cod Army' a 1-0 lead.  The home side then had a similar chance to double the lead but another looping shot bounced off the bar.

Following the goal the Harriers became more defensive and the game as a whole became slower, Michael Briscoe and Ollie Thorne once again providing a solid barrier at the back.  Both keepers had a couple of routine saves to make but the game was winding down towards the break.

The second half started as the first had ended with both teams sharing set pieces and half chances but never really testing the opposition.  It was only on the hour mark when Marc Williams replaced the quiet Dave Hankin - who did nothing wrong but nothing good of note - that the game changed.

Harriers were suddenly more ambitious and Williams fed off the headers that Chris McPhee won, whilst adding an element of pace which had been lacking, against tiring defenders.  For Fleetwood Sean Clancy and Jamie Mullan replaced Magno Viera and Gareth Seddon, whilst for Harriers Matty Blair replaced an exhausted Lee Morris after 72 minutes to add even more pace and determination.

It was good work from Marc Williams that won the Harriers a 79th minute corner.  The set piece was delivered by Gittings and Jack Byrne rose higher than his marker to head back across goal into the net to send Harriers fans into raptures.

Byrne went on to pick up the only yellow card of the evening for a silly foul on substitute Clancy.

Fleetwood were quick to act in order to get a winner by bringing Mark Beesley on for Ian Craney.  Harriers, in response, moved to ensure the point and brought Tom Shaw on for Gittings to go with five at the back - Shaw at left back, pushing Mike Williams more central.

Nathan Pond had the last chance of the match pushing a free header inches wide of Danny Lewis' goal.

A well earned, and deserved, point away from home for Kidderminster will hopefully restore some more confidence lost earlier in the season with the Harriers now five games unbeaten.

 Goal for Fleetwood: Craney 20
 Goal for Harriers: Byrne 79

REFEREE:

Mr D Bond Lancashire