Saturday, August 12, 2006

THE pre-season bubble of optimism at Aggborough burst quite spectacularly as promoted St Alban's City pulled off a deserved 3-1 victory.

Kidderminster Harriers paraded nine new signings in the first 11, including two additions within the last week, and perhaps it should have been no surprise they looked so desperately disjointed.

Take nothing away from part-timers St Alban's though. Still high from their Nationwide South play-off success, they showed no fear whatsoever with an impressive, attacking display.

Only midfielder Russ Penn, full-back Jeff Kenna and goalkeeper Scott Bevan could emerge from this Harriers debacle with much credit -- and boss Mark Yates is demanding much better at Burton Albion tomorrow night.

It is inevitable a team with so many fresh faces is going to take some time to click so there is no need for any panic buttons to be pressed.

But for Harriers fans who have been enduring dire fare over the past few seasons, this was another miserable Saturday afternoon.

The team's promising, solid defensive barrier crumbled all too easily as St Alban's busy forwards and tricky wingers tore into the hosts.

Midfielder Dwane Lee was promoted straight into the centre of midfield with playmaker Jamie McClen pushed over to the right, while loan defender Gavin Cowan was a shock starter at left-back.

It was a bold move by Yates which backfired horribly when Lee gave away possession on just nine minutes and St Alban's made a perfect start.

Former Worcester City winger Adam Wilde sped forward and released striker Paul Hakim who slid a calm, low finish past Bevan.

The big Harriers goalkeeper hit the deck quickly to make two good saves from Lee Clarke within a seven-minute spell.

Bevan was powerless though when Matt Hann's wicked, inswinging corner brushed the head of centre-half David Theobald to fly in via the far post in the 21st minute.

Shell-shocked Harriers were pushed forward by one of their least experienced players, the excellent Penn in midfield.

Penn and Dean Sturridge went close before Lee nearly made up for his earlier error with a header but it flew straight at 'keeper Paul Bastock.

St Alban's gave themselves vital breathing space two minutes before the interval with Clarke's penalty after Stuart Whitehead's foul on Hakim.

Michael Blackwood should have done better twice for Harriers either side of half-time from Sturridge centres, nodding wide when unmarked and screwing an effort off-target.

Kenna became more prominent, pushing forward from right-back to support the attack with excellent crossing.

A header from Lee was blocked by hard-working St Alban's. Then Kenna put in another good assist only for forward Andy White to bundle a great chance over the bar.

Sturridge's weak 75th-minute spot-kick, awarded for handball by Gary Elphick who was bizarrely sent-off, handed an easy save to Bastock who also blocked Luke Reynolds' follow-up.

Visiting sub Simon Martin missed a sitter on 84 minutes, tapping wide in front of an open goal after Bevan pushed Hann's low drive onto the post.

But Bastock earned his crust further with good parries from headers by defenders Mark Creighton and Cowan.

Harriers fans gained a little solace when Kenna directed a tremendous 25-yard free-kick over the wall and into the net during injury-time.

Harriers: Bevan; Kenna, Creighton, Whitehead, Cowan; McClen (Smikle 46), Penn, Lee (Russell 68), Blackwood; Sturridge, White (Reynolds 68). Subs not used: Taylor, Sedgemore.

Attendance: 1,806.