Tuesday, September 6, 2000

DISAPPOINTED Kidderminster Harriers are today coming to terms with their cruel exit from the Worthington Cup following last night's 1-0 first round second leg defeat against Second Division Walsall at Aggborough.

A lapse of concentration by Craig Hinton allowed the Saddlers to complete a 2-1 aggregate victory with an 83rd minute goal from substitute Darren Byfield.

They struck when defender Hinton's throw-in fell short of keeper Stuart Brock. He was quickly put under pressure by Brett Angell before the ball broke to Byfield who curled in a perfectly struck shot from 25-yards.

It was a disappointing end for hard-working Harriers and particularly Hinton who, despite his costly lapse, produced a man-of-the-match performance.

Harriers boss Jan Molby said: "It was the only mistake we made all night, it's cost us a goal and it's been made by the best player on the pitch by a long way, but that's all part of the game.

"You learn when you play against better players that if you make mistakes you get punished.

"But we have worked hard and we've probably had three or four players who are playing below the standard they normally reach.

"I'm delighted with the way we defended because Walsall are obviously a threat going forward, but over the two games we have hardly given them a look a goal.

"The midfield and defence did well and the front men worked hard."

For all their gallant efforts last night Kidderminster finally paid the price for not having a sharp enough cutting edge up front, although they gave the Saddlers a good run for their money.

During the first half Harriers rarely put keeper James Walker under any serious pressure with Barry Horne going closest with a 30-yard shot just over the bar.

Fifteen minutes after the break leading scorer Stewart Hadley headed a Andy Ducros free-kick into the side-netting from an acute angle while five minutes later Angell wasted a good chance for Walsall when he headed wide while well placed.

Afterwards Saddlers boss Ray Graydon said: "The ratio of chances in the first game was 14 to us and 4 to them and again we have created the better chances.

"Kidderminster are a good team. They are a good passing side and they will be OK. They have the confidence to pass the ball."

Kidderminster: Brock 7, Clarkson 7, Hinton 8, Smith 7, Bennett 6, Horne 6, Bird 5, Ducros 6, Shail 7, Bogie 6, Hadley 6. Subs (not used); Webb, Murphy, Pope, Davies, Corbett.