Tuesday, December 19, 2000

WELL-taken goals from Ian Foster, Dean Bennett and Tony Bird helped holders Kidderminster Harriers cruise to a comfortable 3-1 victory in last night's Worcestershire Senior Cup quarter-final against Solihull Borough at Aggborough.

Harriers, who fielded a side containing first teamers, reserves and youth team players, now face a home semi-final against Moor Green.

Kidderminster took the lead in the 31st min-ute when Foster side footed in a curling first time shot from 20 yards.

Then, a couple of minutes before half time, a long defence-splitting pass by Foster found Bennett who scored with a crisp left footed shot from 16 yards which flew into the top corner of the net.

Dr Martens League Western Division outfit Solihull grabbed a lifeline ten minutes after the break when Chris Smith side-footed home a cross from Andy Lovelock. Kidderminster, however, continued to hold the upper hand and a fine cross substitute Matthew Reeves was headed home in the 78th minute by Bird.

In the closing stages battling Solihull were twice denied by excellent saves from Brendan Murphy while substitute Brian Gray had a shot hit the outside of the post.

Winger Thomas Skovbjerg took another step on the road to recovery from a cruciate ligament injury by making an encouraging 63-minute appearance.

Harriers: Murphy 7, Barnett 6, Jackson 6, Davies 6, Ayres 6, Hall 6, Bennett 8, Skovbjerg 6 (Reeves, 63, 6), Bird 7, Foster 7 (Cunnington, 68, 6), Corbett 6. Subs (not used): Polston, Clarke, Yates.

Star player: Dean Bennett. Attendance: 443.