Harriers get hit for three at Salford

A second half defensive collapse led to Kidderminster Harriers' first defeat of 2017 as they lost to Salford City.  The Ammies' slick, pacey, counter-attacking play contrasted to Harriers' slow one-dimensional approach which meant the away side failed to create any clear-cut chances.

Sam Austin came into the starting line-up following a good substitute appearance against Worcester City, replacing Zaine Francis-Angol at left back, and Ashley Carter replaced suspended holding midfielder Ryan Croasdale.  Salford lined up in the same way as the side who beat Bradford Park Avenue on New Year's Day.

Harriers had the better of the first half and put the home side under pressure, although Salford's balls into the area provided some concern for Kidderminster's backline.  Salford looked to have taken an early lead when Michael Nottingham put the ball past Alex Palmer in the Harriers net after a long throw, but to the away side's relief it was ruled out for offside.

Kidderminster then started to come into the game and had the lion's share of the half.  Elton N'Gwatala fired in a shot from inside the area after a ball from the right but it was straight at Salford goalkeeper Jay Lynch.

Harriers looked to attack Salford down the wings with Austin and Ty Williams offering support.  However, Salford were equal to the task and defended the low balls into the box well.  The succession of corners that followed were similarly ably dealt with, Harriers' tactic of crowding Lynch's goal not paying off.

The last significant first half chance went to the Harriers with Arthur Gnahoua bucking the team's reluctance to shoot from outside the area by curling an effort wide of Lynch's goal.

The second half saw Salford come into and dominate the game.  Harriers too often got the ball into Salford's final third and looked bereft of ideas to break down the home side, trying the same approach as had failed on previous attempts, with the same outcome.

Early in the half Alex Palmer was called into action to keep out former Southport defender Simon Grand with his goalbound header saved by the Harriers' loanee.

Harriers' well drilled center half partnership of Keith Lowe and Jordan Tunnicliffe looked to be dealing well with Salford's attack but the away side took the lead mid-way through the half through Josh Hine.  A counter attack from Salford saw Mike Phenix race away with the ball down the left, before he put in a deep looping cross towards Hine, the Salford striker rising above stand-in full back Austin to head the ball past Palmer.

The away side's frustrations began to show and N'Gwatala was lucky to stay on the pitch when his reckless sliding challenge ploughed through James Poole.  Elton was fortunate to walk away from the incident with just a strong reprimand from referee Kelvin Sarsfield.

With just over ten minutes left to play Salford doubled their lead with an individual moment of magic from substitute Jordan Hulme.  Once again they broke away and Hulme was faced with Harriers' usually reliable partnership of Lowe and Tunnicliffe.  However Hulme, in the sodden conditions, coolly took the ball around the pair before slotting the ball past Palmer.

Harriers then threw caution to the wind leaving Tunnicliffe and Lowe the only players back but yet going forward looked to have run out of new ideas to break down Salford.  On the counter Salford created a succession of chances with both Hulme and Hine nearly extending the lead before the latter grabbed his second goal of the game.

Pushing men forward the Harriers were caught out when the ball was cleared to Hine, the player immediately one-on-one with Palmer, with fifty yards separating them.  Hine sped down the right wing and put the ball past Palmer to cue wild celebrations from the home side.

A first half devoid of new ideas followed by a Salford resurgence isn't what the Harriers needed.  After a win on New Year's Day to keep the pressure up on Fylde and extend the gap on Chorley whose win over Brackley moved them level on points with Harriers.  Ebbsfleet at home in the Trophy provides a good chance to get back on track, and try out a few new ideas.

 Goals for Salford: Hine 64, 90, Hulme 80

REFEREE:

Mr K Sarsfield Blackburn