Saturday, October 23, 2004

TWO of Coca-Cola League Two's hottest properties went head-to-head in an intriguing duel as Kidderminster Harriers lost 2-0 at Bristol Rovers.

Rovers' top scorer Junior Agogo was all smiles after two goals took his tally to 10 for the season and maintained their unbeaten home record.

But Harriers 'keeper John Danby performed heroics to prevent Agogo at least doubling his account, despite hobbling around with a foot injury for much of the game.

Defensively, the visitors gave Danby little protection as a succession of direct balls through the middle played havoc and Rovers' skilful forward gave Abdou Sall, in particular, an afternoon to forget.

The gusty conditions hampered Harriers' defending further but they showed considerable promise going forward and were unlucky not to add to their measly away goals tally of one.

Agogo's knack of manoeuvring himself into one-on-one situations with Danby proved the big difference yet Harriers could still have unearthed their own attacking gem.

Portsmouth third-year scholar James Keene, with 12 goals in reserve and youth football already this season, earned the praise of Jan Molby as his determination, comfort on the ball and willingness to shoot worried Rovers' back-line.

Apart from the consistent midfield endeavour of Dean Keates, Danby and Keene were the main stand-outs in a mixed Harriers display that ultimately consigned them back to the League Two basement.

Director of football Molby said: "For an away debut against one of only two teams unbeaten at home, a big and strong physical side, I thought Keene did well.

"He never stopped and was hassling defenders right the way through the game. He's shown plenty of confidence, even in the second-half, to come and get the ball, and had some good chances. You can see how he's scored all those goals this season already.

"Danby's pulled off some good saves which is what you expect. That's why we keep talking about how highly regarded he is.

"He did make some bad decisions though because when you can't run, you don't have to try collecting long balls over the top. You stay on your goal-line -- he got caught in no man's land on a couple of occasions."

Agogo put Rovers ahead on 21 minutes when former Harriers target Richard Walker released him through the middle and he rounded Danby to tap home.

Harriers' defenders felt Agogo was offside and Danby's attempts to stop the forward resulted in his foot injury.

Just seven minutes later, Keene foxed 'keeper Kevin Miller after latching onto Keates' pass but then took too long over his finish and ex-Harrier Craig Hinton, playing at right-back, intervened.

Keene forced two relatively comfortable Miller saves from distance before the Agogo and Danby show.

Harriers' keeper stood up well to make three excellent blocks after Agogo had skinned Sall on each occasion.

Sub Lee Thorpe lobbed a great chance wide with Danby struggling but then centred for Agogo, looking offside, to net an easy second on 74 minutes.

Iyseden Christie made an impressive impact in only his second sub appearance though his finishing twice let him down and Miller claimed a menacing header.

Harriers: *Danby 8; McHale 6, Sall 4, Hatswell 5, Cooper 6; Foster 6, Jenkins 6, Keates 7, Christiansen 6; Keene 7, Langmead 6 (Christie 71). Subs not used: Lewis, Advice-Desruisseaux, Russell, McMahon.

Attendance: 7,020.