Phil Brown explains crucial talks which helped set-up big Kidderminster Harriers win
Phil Brown revealed how a crucial “sales pitch” to the referee ensured Kidderminster Harriers got the chance to end their winless run with a 2-0 triumph at Alfreton Town.
Heavy overnight rain had placed Saturday’s fixture in serious doubt, with the pitch subjected to an inspection two hours before kick-off.
Harriers boss Brown explained how he and opposite number Billy Heath had helped persuade the officials to let the match proceed.
He said: “They have had several games postponed up here and we had to have a pitch inspection at 1pm.
“Both me and Billy wanted the game on and really had to do a convincing sales pitch, if you like, to the referee to say if it starts we are both willing to finish.
“The ref did the right thing and got the game on. We then performed and got three points.”
Goals from Reiss McNally and Amari Morgan-Smith earned Harriers a win which moved them up to fifth in the National League North table.
“We had to roll our sleeves up and battle,” added Brown. “We caused a lot of problems because of the work-rate. We won enough second balls to win the game.
“We needed to have the mindset right and I thought we did that.”
Rushall Olympic remain rooted in the relegation zone after going down 4-0 at leaders Chester.
Tom Peers netted twice for the hosts, with Harrison Burke and Kurt Willoughby also on the mark.
Halesowen Town boss Russ Penn was left to rue “10 minutes of madness” after his team let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Alvechurch.
Goals from Conor Tee and Kieran Donnelly had put the Yeltz in control of the Southern League Central clash. But Dan Sweeney pulled one back for the visitors, before home skipper Ryan Wynter was sent-off and Krystian Pearce netted the leveller.
“It was a fantastic first-half, I was delighted at half-time,” Penn told YeltzTV. “But ten minutes of madness…the amount of times we switch off and let a team back into a game.
“It’s frightening. It’s a common theme. We need to get to the bottom of it.
“At half time, I’m disappointed we haven’t won the game. By 60 minutes, I’m delighted with a point.”
Stourbridge boss Liam McDonald bemoaned defensive errors as his team lost 3-1 at home to Kettering. A late consolation from Richard Batchelor was all the Glassboys had to cheer.
McDonald said: "We were poor defensively and that hasn't been the case.for a while.
"We gave them in effect the first two goals. Maybe it was just one of those days.”
