Boston 2 Kidderminster Harriers 0 - Report
Kidderminster Harriers hopes of pulling away from the relegation zone suffered a setback as promotion chasing Boston United recorded a third win in eight days and a league double over the Midlands strugglers as two goals from Dominic Knowles settled this affair.
The Pilgrims, looking to move to a new ground at the beginning of next season, could be a good outside bet for promotion to the National League as they held off a determined Harriers outfit for long periods, in the end it was clinical finishing that decided the game in Boston’s favour.
Dominic Knowles’ first half brace put Boston in a strong position at the break as they carved their way through the Harriers defence with relative ease.
Will Mannion had to be alert to keep out debutant Frank Mulhern before diverting a rising drive from Andy Thanoj away for a corner as the home side dominated.
Austin Samuels and Ashley Chambers threatened to deceive but still worked in a unit to test the home defence, Samuels forcing a save out of Peter Crook with a weak header and Chambers denied by the outstretched leg of Simon Ainge as the ball went for a corner via the upright.
Samuels found himself in a position to open the scoring on 34 minutes, released by Chambers, the youngster had only keeper Crook to beat but his shot struck the keeper’s right knee and away for a corner.
On 37 minutes the home side forged ahead, Jordan Thewlis released Mulhern in the area who unselfishly tee-d up Dominic Knowles to nod into an unguarded net, the Harriers defence were all at sea.
Worse was to follow six minutes later as the visitors defence was breached again, Knowles cutting in from the right lined up a shot that took a deflection to wrong foot Mannion as the ball nestled in the bottom left hand corner.
The second half was a more even affair, with Harriers lacking guile to unlock the home defence and keeper Mannion again coming to his side’s rescue kicking clear from Jordan Thewlis.
Harriers struggled in vain to find a way back but Boston remained organised and composed to run out comfortable winners
Boston United: Crook, Penny, Whittle, Shiels, Ainge, Rollins, Thanoj, Platt, Mulhern (Tuton 89), Thewlis (Jackson 88), Knowles (Wafula 80). Subs Not Used: Garner, Woolford.
Kidderminster Harriers: Mannion , Austin, Shenton (Nabi 72), Moyo, Lowe, Johnson, Butterfield (Williams 89), Prosser, Hemmings, Chambers, Samuels. Subs Not Used: Freemantle,Palmer, Davidson.
