Harriers 2-0 Aldershot - Report

It was an exciting encounter throughout, but the game had to wait until the opening minutes of the second half for the first goal.

A good exchange of passing – and some improvisation – down the left wing saw Jordan Murphy fire a low cross into the box, where James McQuilkin was on hand to bundle home from close range.

The goal got Aggborough rocking, and Harriers' fans soon had more to sing about.

After picking up the ball outside the visitors' box, Whitfield beat his man to bend a looping effort into the far left of the goal.

Chances still came for both sides as the half progressed, but Harriers remained solid and held on to a clean sheet to round off a great team display.

Both teams had chances to take the lead in the first half.

An early cross swung in for Rhys Browne in the box proved just too high for him to head goal bound.

Murphy then could have scored in similar circumstances.

Zaine Francis-Angol whipped in a dangerous cross into the Aldershot box, but it was just out of reach for the striker.

Aldershot's Omar Beckles later went for the spectacular with a free-kick from his own half.

He thumped the ball goal bound to try and catch Dean Snedker off his line, but it whizzed just wide of the post.

Despite the first half remaining goalless, it proved entertaining to watch.

And the thrill factor was taken up a notch early in the second half when McQuilkin rounded off a good team move to score.

Whitfield flicked the ball over his head on the left wing to find Murphy, who then controlled to beat his man and cross low into the box where McQuilkin latched on to the pass to tap in.

The goal looked to have settled some of the home side's nerves and Whitfield, who appeared dangerous going forward all game, soon made it 2-0.

He dribbled around an Aldershot defender with quick feet before setting his sights to fire into the far top left corner – goalkeeper Phil Smith with little chance of saving.

Second-half substitute Charlie Walker looked to make an early impact after coming on with a testing long range free-kick.

Harriers' shot-stopper Snedker had to rise high to tip the ball over.

At the other end, Luke Maxwell could then have made it three for Harriers.

He made a driving run down the centre from defence before firing low towards the bottom right of the goal, Smith getting down well to save.

The win was a much-improved performance on Harriers' recent form and boss David Hockaday will be hoping his team can build on this display.

Speaking after the game, Hockaday said: "It was brilliant to get three points and great to keep a clean sheet.

"I thought we looked nervy in the first half, but in the second we were excellent (with our) energy levels and bravery.

"I thought we mixed it up really well and to have no real recognised number nine, we did really well.

"We worked on how we have to play and hopefully the penny is starting to drop.

"That's how we want to play, we want to suffocate teams and that comes from being fit and organised

"The second half was the best I've seen us play and it was very encouraging."