Saturday, November 1, 2003

JAN Molby is convinced Kidderminster Harriers will survive in the Nationwide League Division Three if they continue to perform as well as they did in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Cambridge United at Aggborough.

Harriers edged out of the relegation zone thanks to a thoroughly deserved 80th minute equaliser from striker John Williams.

They were 1-0 ahead at half time through Sean Parrish but allowed Cambridge to grab the lead with two goals in the space of four minutes from Dave Kitson and Gareth Williams.

Harriers, however, were well worth a point thanks to a much improved high tempo performance which had Cambridge on the ropes throughout the first half.

Director of football Molby said: "We had them all over the place in the first 45 minutes and if we had scored more goals it would have been a different game.

"If we play for the rest of the season like we did for the majority of this game then we will have no problem staying up.

"What we can't allow ourselves to do is think we are on our way and it's going to be okay. We are not going to be unless we keep working hard and if we do that then we'll certainly play in the Football League next season.

"In terms of effort and giving everything we had we couldn't complain. Without their keeper the game might have been over at half time.

"But in the end we have got to be pleased with the fact we have come back from being 2-1. We showed character to get ourselves back into the game."

Kidderminster, without midfielder John Melligan due to his return home to Ireland for 'family reasons', totally dominated the first half.

It was no real surprise that they took the lead in the 41st minute when Parrish lashed in a shot after the ball had been knocked down to him by Andy White, who made a good impression on his debut following a loan move from Mansfield Town.

Cambridge keeper Shaun Marshall then kept his side in the game by producing excellent saves to deny John Williams and Dean Bennett.

The visitors, however, were far more effective after the break and stunned Harriers by storming into the lead.

They equalised on 59 minutes when dangerman Kitson headed in a disputed corner from Justin Walker and then went ahead when Gareth Williams was given the freedom to plant a well struck shot firmly past 'keeper Stuart Brock.

But never-say-die Harriers equalised when Williams capped an excellent display by firing in a cracking shot on the day he agreed to extend his stay at Aggborough.

His three-month deal was due to expire this week but he has now accepted Molby's offer of non-contract terms.

Molby said: "The new deal can be cancelled immediately by either party. I told John before the game he would start against Cambridge and if he played well he would keep his place. I think that's fair enough."

In the 89th minute Cambridge had defender Warren Goodhind sent off for two bookable offences.