Saturday, April 17, 2004

YOUNG goalkeeper John Danby enhanced his growing reputation with another commanding display to help Kidderminster Harriers banish any lingering relegation fears.

Saturday's draw at fellow strugglers Cambridge lifted Harriers to 51 points which should be enough to ensure Division Three football for next season.

But Harriers were again grateful to up-and-coming 20-year-old keeper Danby who had produced a one-man wonder show in a 1-0 defeat at Carlisle the previous week.

In only his seventh full league game, the youngster was a rock between the posts with a last-minute save from Shane Tudor's free-kick the pick of another promising performance.

Harriers had been reduced to 10 men due to Abdou Sall's second yellow card but then striker Jesper Christiansen missed a late chance to steal three points.

Director of football Jan Molby said: "It's going to be very hard to get someone in over the summer who could overtake John Danby. He's slowly becoming one of the better young 'keepers in the lower divisions.

"You ask the back four and they love playing with him because he doesn't confuse them. They know he will come and catch or punch when the crosses come in."

Danby admitted: "It's nice when you're being praised as it gives you confidence. Since I've been in the team I haven't had a bad mistake that's turned into a goal yet.

"It was a complete surprise to me when I was brought in but I've been able to keep my place and have done quite well.

"My main target is to get a new contract in the summer and keep playing well."

In a tight and scrappy first half, all-action midfielder Mark Yates stung 'keeper Shaun Marshall's fingertips with a rasping 20-yard drive on five minutes.

But Harriers were fortunate not to fall behind by half-time when right-back Stevland Angus burst into the box only to fire wastefully wide from close range.

Then Danby stood up well to block in a 55th-minute one-on-one with striker Jermaine Easter who raced clear after confusion in the visitors defence.

Harriers' introduction of Adam Murray from the bench gave them a creative link in midfield before Sall saw red after two yellow cards in 14 minutes.

The big centre-half was booked for a confrontation with substitute Daniel Webb and received his marching orders in the 61st minute when he up-ended Easter.

But, like in Monday's 2-1 win over Huddersfield, Harriers coped admirably with 10 men and Murray's influence spurred them on as an attacking force.

Marshall was forced to tip over again, this time from Steve Burton's free-kick, and Yates directed a free header from Murray's corner wide of the target.

Danby came to Harriers' rescue with a terrific stop from Tudor's 25-yard free-kick as it curled towards the top corner.

But the miss-of-the-game arrived in injury-time when Marshall made a hash of John Williams' cross and Christiansen volleyed wildly over a gaping goal.

Molby reflected: "The first hour was disappointing for whatever reason. I don't know whether last weekend took it out of them but we found no energy."