Oxford United 0 Kidderminster Harriers 0 (From Worcester News)

Oxford United 0 Kidderminster Harriers 0

6:40pm Sunday 7th February 2010 in

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KEEPER Dean Coleman made an impressive return to the starting line-up as battling Harriers took a well-deserved point from the Kassam Stadium.

Coleman was back in the side after missing the last two games but a string of fine saves and a brilliant defensive performance by the visitors overall kept the Blue Square Premier title-chasers at bay.

Harriers almost paid the price for a slow start inside the first minute, but winger Alfie Potter shot wide.

After weathering the Oxford storm, Harriers started to carve out useful chances on the break. Goodfellow signalled the away side’s attacking intent when he fired a 20-yard effort just off target.

Robbie Matthews could have fired Harriers into the lead when Lee Baker delivered a good low cross from the left but the tall hitman mis-hit his effort wide.

Former Harriers striker James Constable was doing his best to catch out the away defence, but he had a claim for a penalty ignored by the referee after he was blocked by Duane Courtney and Gavin Caines.

Good work by Brian Smikle set up Goodfellow and his low shot forced a fine save from former Harriers keeper Ryan Clarke.

Defender Martin Riley then did enough to put off Constable as he tried to meet Jamie Cook’s low cross. Despite remonstrations by the striker for a penalty, the referee blew for a goal-kick.

In the second-half, the away side were pressed back and Constable would have scored, if not for the heroics of defender Courtney.

Sam Deering sped past Riley and pulled the ball back, but as Constable tried to shoot, the right-back made a timely intervention.

Harriers were on the back foot as Oxford piled on the pressure but they stood firm.

Former Walsall shot-stopper Coleman made two saves to deny Deering in the space of 60 seconds, before tipping over Simon Clist’s free-kick.

He also denied Oxford substitute Jack Midson, who could have scored moments after coming on in the 74th minute.

To their credit, Harriers battled away and substitute Spencer was denied by Clarke.

Harriers survived a testing second-half to earn a point and become one of the few sides not to lose over two matches to Oxford.

The draw also served as an entertaining dress rehearshal to the FA Trophy quarter-final at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, February 20.

Harriers: Coleman, Courtney, Caines, Riley, Baker, Goodfellow (Knights, 85), McPhee, Finnigan, Bennett, Smikle, Matthews (Spencer, 74). Unused substitutes: Singh, Hadley, Sharpe.

Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire).

Attendance: 5,802.