Harriers defeat after giving up two-goal lead

After netting the equaliser in the 2-2 midweek draw against York City, Jason Cowley was promoted to the starting XI as Russ Penn made two changes with Omari Sterling also resuming his place in the side.

Gloucester manager Paul Groves had been busy bolstering his squad, defenders Brad Webb and Tom Harrison were recruited with Louie Moulden and Tahvon Campbell returning to their parent clubs, whilst Alex Whittle also departed.

The league leaders were without Liam Daly through suspension but the league’s leading marksman Matt McClure recovered from injury for the visit of third placed Harriers to New Meadow.

Harriers were quick to put the hosts on the back foot Caleb Richards dragging an effort wide after three minutes.

Ethan Freemantle settled any early nerves as he rose above Tom Harrison to guide Omari Sterling’s cross beyond home keeper Rhys Lovett to open the scoring with five minutes gone

Sam Austin doubled that advantage with a fine right footed twenty yard strike as Harriers asserted themselves over their hosts with only 12 minutes on the clock.

Harriers continued to dominate as Ashley Hemmings and Omari Sterling went close to adding to that lead and on 24 minutes Jason Cowley headed wide from Alex Penny’s right wing cross.

Gloucester hauled themselves back into the game on the half hour mark, Matt McClure providing Keanu Marsh-Brown with the opportunity from 10 yards to reduce the deficit.

Harriers shot-stopper Luke Simpson then denied Marsh –Brown a second when the striker broke free of his marker.

The game swung from end to end at the start of the second period, Keith Lowe and Omari Sterling going close for the visitors, before Gloucester replied with Kevin Dawson having a shot parried aside by keeper Luke Simpson with McClure firing the rebound over from a tight angle.

On 63 minutes the home side pulled level, Matt McClure netting his 12th goal of the campaign sliding home Jack Burroughs’ left wing cross.

Gloucester sensed another goal and with 17 minutes left they won a cheap free-kick 25 yards out and Jordan Young curled his left foot effort over the wall and into the roof of Simpson’s net to complete a remarkable turnaround.

Sterling and Cliff Moyo were denied by Rhys Lovett’s agility between the sticks but he was relieved deep into added time when Sam Austin could not quite connect with Sterling’s left wing centre with no defender in sight to see Gloucester record the three points.