Nuneaton 2, Harriers 1

A CONTROVERSIAL late goal ensured Harriers tasted defeat on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Aggborough outfit had looked set for a hard fought-draw in a committed Worcestershire-versus-Warwickshire derby, until an injury time penalty decision changed the course of the game.

Former Nuneaton play-maker Kyle Storer had tried to block James Armson’s shot but as he turned the ball hit him on the chest under his raised arm.

Referee Lee Swabey, who had made a host of decisions which enraged both sets of fans, did not hesitate to point to the spot.

While keeper Danny Lewis saved Armson’s effort, the ball ricocheted off the luckless Mickey Demetriou and the Nuneaton man finished off from close range.

“The penalty right at the death was one of them,” said keeper Lewis.

“No-one appealed for it — not the players or the crowd. Only the referee, who pointed to the spot from nowhere.

“The ball hit Kyle Storer on the upper part of his chest — nowhere near his arm so it was a strange decision.

“It was disappointing, we never played well but maybe a draw would have been a fair result. Conceding a dubious late penalty is hard to take.”

In truth, Harriers faded after a bright opening 15 minutes.

Steve Burr had made three changes to his starting line-up, handing the first starts of the season to Jack Byrne, Danny Jackman and Dior Angus.

Harriers had looked dangerous and Anthony Malbon opened his account for the season in the fifth minute.

The ball broke to him on the edge of the box and he curled a sublime first-time effort into the far post.

The hitman then teed up Byrne who fired a firm drive straight at keeper Jamie Belshaw.

Nuneaton came back into the game and bombarded Harriers with a host of free-kicks and corners which were expertly repelled by Lewis, Josh Gowling and Chey Dunkley.

But Harriers lacked the sharpness up front to really trouble their organised and robust opponents.

Despite both team’s efforts in the second half, which became increasingly stretched as they searched for goals, chances were at a premium.

Michael Gash knocked the ball into the path of Byrne but his shot was blocked.

Nuneaton levelled the scores in the 82nd minute with only their third effort on target, when Louis Moult arrowed a low shot past Lewis.

Harriers substitute Joe Lolley had a chance to win it late on but had his shirt firmly pulled by Nuneaton skipper Gareth Dean.

But the official waved play on only to have a decisive and disastrous impact on the match moments later.

Harriers: Lewis 7, L Vaughan 6, Demetriou 6, Gowling 8, Dunkley 7, Jackman 7 (Fowler 70), Byrne 7, Angus 6 (Lolley 70), Storer 6, Gash 6, Malbon 6 (Dance 74). Subs not used: N Vaughan, Johnson.

Nuneaton: Belshaw, Streete, Bell, Dean, Sleath (Bell 71), Walker, Armson, Moult, Brown, York (Pearson 71). Subs not used: Adams, Gordon, Taylor.

Referee: Lee Swabey.

Attendance: 1,481 (418)