Saturday, September 11, 2004

AN astonishing refereeing decision set Kidderminster Harriers on the rocky path to a 3-0 slump at Swansea City which leaves them bottom of Coca-Cola League Two.

Goalkeeper John Danby was left in a heap on the ground nursing a head injury after Izzy Iriekpen crashed into him at a corner yet Essex official Frederick Graham let play continue.

Harriers could only clear to the right flank where Andy Gurney looped the ball into the box and Paul Connor's final touch found the back of an empty net on 16 minutes.

Livid boss Jan Molby could not believe his eyes as the referee failed to blow his whistle for a foul or to have Danby treated, while Swansea will not be in line for any fair play awards following this incident.

Molby did not mince his words over the official after a fifth straight league defeat, admitting: "You'd have to go a long, long way this season to see anyone as incompetent as him.

"If you see another goal like that this season, I will feel sorry for whoever has to put up with it. I felt sorry for my players in the first half when we were the better team.

"There were various ways it could have been dealt with. The easiest thing is for the referee to blow his whistle but he failed to do that. It beggars belief."

Although Harriers were unlucky to concede the opener, their fragile confidence and lack of cutting edge ensures falling a goal behind is effectively a killer blow.

Molby's injury-hit men looked an improved unit in a new 4-4-2 formation but they have still only scored two goals from open play in eight league fixtures.

Harriers were overwhelmed by a skilful Welsh side in the second period, especially when Lee Jenkins was withdrawn with a knee injury and tigerish midfielder Steve McMahon moved to right-back.

Andy Robinson hit the post before Swansea star striker Lee Trundle's dazzling turn caught out Wayne Hatswell and he fired home on 53 minutes.

Danby denied Connor with a great block but the former Rochdale man eventually tapped home his second goal three minutes from time.

Molby added: "Goals change games and I'll bet my bottom dollar, as a former manager here, that if Swansea had come in 0-0 at half-time you wouldn't have heard their crowd sing like they did. They get after you and that is a massive thing.

"We were the better side, we were just starting to get the ball down, we had one or two few half-chances and the players were gaining some confidence.

"But that first goal was a hell of a blow. It would have knocked Mike Tyson out in his prime. Once Lee Jenkins went off in the second half we went ragged."

Harriers: *Danby 7; Jenkins 6 (Mellon 54, 5), McHale 5, Hatswell 5, Burton 5; Brown 6, McMahon 6, Appleby 6, Foster 5 (Roberts 64, 5); Christiansen 5, Langmead 5. Subs not used: Lewis, Christie, Gleeson. Attendance: 6,462.