Newcastle Benfield 0 Kidderminster Harriers 1 - Report
Kidderminster Harriers produced a professional performance to see off a spirited Newcastle Benfield side to progress to the 4th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.
Newcastle Benfield, who play in step nine of the pyramid, had already won four games to reach this stage of the competition, former Newcastle United striker Paul Brayson celebrated his 40th birthday by netting the goal to set up this tie against Kidderminster Harriers who play three divisions higher up the pyramid.
The three league difference certainly told in the first half where Harriers bossed possession, they created numerous opportunities but found the home defence resolute.
In the end it was a Joe Ironside goal midway through the second period to finally end the home side’s resistance.
Andrew Grainger in the home goal worked miracles in the first half to keep the visitors at bay, the keeper blocked and parried numerous Harriers efforts to thwart Mani Sonupe, Ironside and Andre Brown, but he kept his best for a flying save away to his right to tip away Elton Ngwatala’s goalbound strike.
The veteran Paul Brayson created the best opportunity for the home side forcing Brandon Hall into two fine blocks midway through the first half as he tried to lift the home side to greater heights.
Harriers resumed the offensive, Sonupe and Andre Brown both going close befoe Ironside and Ngwatala were both denied by Grainger’s heroics.
On 67 minutes the deadlock was broken, Andre Wright delivering a right wing cross and Ironside was on hand to slide the ball home from close range.
Paul Brayson almost dragged the home side level but his scorching 15 yard drive was ruled out for offside.
Harriers pressed again, the lively Brown just off target with a rising drive and Sam Austin dragged his shot wide when well placed before Grainger dived to his left to deny Ryan Croasdale.
Harriers youngsters showed character in the dying minutes as the home side put the game in the balance but Croasdale and Declan Weeks shored up the midfield to keep chances to a minimum and see Harriers into the fourth qualifying round draw on Monday.
Teams
Newcastle Benfield: Grainger, Turnbull, Novak, Slaughter, Scorgie (Dummett 65), Grieve (Esdaille 44), McCarthy, Bowey (Harrison 56), Brayson, McEvoy, Hailes. Subs Not Used: Leedham, Taylor, Nimmins
Harriers: Hall, Williams, Horsfall, Pearson (Austin 44), Taylor, Croasdale, Ngwatala (McQuilkin 68) , Ironside, Sonupe (Wright 60), Weeks, Brown. Subs Not Used: Digie, Webb, Finch.
