Altrincham 1 Kidderminster Harriers 1 - Report

The hosts had only played four league games since losing to Harriers on the 14th September but cup exits to Portsmouth and the midweek defeat by Farsley Celtic in the FA Trophy and a loss at bottom of the table Bradford Park Avenue heaped a little more pressure on the outcome of this fixture.

Harriers still had injury concerns over four key players going into the hectic festive programme but Ashley Hemmings was passed fit and replaced the injured Declan Weeks from the side that won at Guiseley.

Harriers started brightly, the lively Sam Austin proving to be a handful on the right hand side and when he released Ashley Chambers in the home penalty area only the alertness of keeper Anthony Thompson kept the scoreline goalless on 9 minutes at the expense of a corner.

Chances were few and far between but again Sam Austin was instrumental, weaving his way beyond Andy White his right wing cross was met by Milan Butterfield whose downward header into the right hand corner of the net gave the visitors a 20th minute lead.

Altrincham enjoyed more possession but lacked incision in the final third, highlighted on 40 minutes when Jordan Hulme hesitated when well placed inside the area.

Tom Peers was inches away from connecting with Jake Moult’s centre and the same player should have done better in first half added time when he hooked his effort beyond the advancing Will Mannion but also the right hand post.

Harriers introduced Ethan Fremantle at the start of the second half and he went close with a header that cleared Thompson’s crossbar, the home keeper then denied Ollie Shenton and Milan Butterfield to keep his side in the hunt.

At the other end Will Mannion was well positioned to deal with efforts from Sean Willliams, Ethan Walker and Jake Moult but it was Moult who had the final say.

Substitute Luke Wall’s first touch was to deliver a right wing corner that Harriers failed to clear and Moult was on hand to force the loose ball home for the equalising goal.

Both sides went for the winner in an entertaining final quarter but defences stood firm to ensure both sides secured a point.

Teams

Altrincham: Thompson, Densmore, White, Jones, Hannigan, Moult, Walker (Wall 74), Williams S, Hulme, Hancock (Richman 82), Peers. Subs Not Used: Harrop, Mularkey, Hampson.

Kidderminster Harriers: Mannion , Austin, Davidson, Williams R, Moyo, Johnson, Butterfield, Shenton, Prosser, Hemmings, Chambers (Fremantle 46). Subs Not Used: Digie, Palmer, Knory, Diau.