Darlington 2 Kidderminster Harriers 1 - Report
Kidderminster Harriers manager John Eustace wanted a response from his players following their first defeat in 18 league games last week at home to Harrogate Town but a late Steven Thompson goal condemned his side to back to back defeats after substitute Joe Ironside had pulled the visitors level.
Eustace made changes with George Waring and Dan Bradley given the forward roles, Joe Ironside and Mani Sonupe dropping to the bench. Jonathan Flatt, on loan from Wolves, started in goal in place of the injured Brandon Hall whilst the inspirational James O’Connor also missed the long trip north to Darlington.
Harriers unbeaten on their travels in their last seven league games, with two wins and five draws, were looking to cement their place in the play off spots, but they squandered a golden early opportunity.
Elton Ngwatala raced clear down the left and crossed for James McQuilkin whose flick forced a full length save from Aynsley Pears, the ball ran to Dan Bradley who should have converted from close range but the ball ran across the face of goal and somehow James McQuilkin scuffed his effort wide from a few inches out.
Harriers were made to pay almost immediately, Phil Turnbull lifted a free Kick into the Harriers box,
Jonathon Flatt came racing out to punch clear but succeeded only in diverting the ball into the path of Josh Heaton. The defender’s first effort was cleared off the line by Lee Vaughan but he made no mistake with the rebound drilling home from seven yards.
Pears came to the home sides rescue on 15 minutes, initially clawing away Declan Weeks 25 yard free kick before spreading himself to block the follow up effort from George Waring.
The home keeper again kept Harriers at bay turning aside a Lee Vaughan snap shot to ensure his side held a slender advantage at the interval.
The home side pressed forward after the break, Wheatley given an opportunity only to see James Pearson clear off the line before Reece Styche curled an effort against an upright.
Substitute Joe Ironside pulled Harriers level, outjumping the advancing keeper to Pearson’s long ball be converted as it came back off the post with thirteen minutes left.
But Harriers fans were left disappointed as Steve Thompson broke into the box to beat Flatt with a low drive and earn three valuable points.
Teams
Darlington: Pears, Trotman, Galbraith, Heaton, Vaulks, Saunders (Gillies 70), Wheatley (Scott 69), Turnbull, Thompson, Styche, Syers. Subs: Bancroft (gk), Glover, Mills
Kidderminster Harriers: Flatt, Vaughan, Austin, Pearson, Horsfall, Croasdale, Weeks (Brown68), McQuilkin (Sonupe 60), Ngwatala, Waring (Ironside 60), Bradley. Subs:Truslove, Palmer(gk).
