Tuesday, September 30, 2003

STRUGGLING Kidderminster Harriers' desperate bid to get back to winning ways was dashed when they slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Huddersfield Town at the McAlpine Stadium last night.

Their performance, however, was far more encouraging than last Saturday when they slumped to a 6-1 reversal at high-flying Hull City - their biggest defeat since joining the Football League.

The main problem for Harriers in their start to this season's Nationwide League Division Three campaign has been their inability to score goals.

Fire-power

It was again their lack of fire-power up front - a worrying deficiency - which cost them dearly last night when Huddersfield striker Jon Stead netted what proved to be the winner in the 12th minute.

Both Danny Schofield and Steve Yates had efforts on goal before the ball fell kindly for Stead who grabbed his chance from close range.

Although mid-table Huddersfield looked the more likely outfit to score, lowly Harriers wasted a great chance to level on the half hour mark.

Danish front-runner Bo Henriksen shook off the attention of defender Paul Scott and raced into the Terriers penalty area before squaring the ball to John Williams who failed to connect.

Kidderminster, who relegated defender Craig Hinton and on-loan midfielder Lloyd Dyer to the substitutes' bench, had to be grateful to Stuart Brock when he produced a number of excellent saves either side of half time.

Firstly, he stopped a fine effort from Schofield who then wasted a golden opportunity before Stead shot just over the bar.

Henriksen had a chance to put Harriers on level terms, but he shot straight at keeper Ian Gray.

The Terriers managed to get the ball in the net again in the 59th minute, but Stead's effort was ruled out for offside.

The striker then got himself booked for arguing about the decision.

Scoring opportunities continued to be created and Brock saved point blank from Andy Booth and from the resulting corner the keeper tipped the ball over the bar to keep out a Booth header.

Kidderminster: Brock 7, Smith 5, Willis 6, Stamps 5, Bennett 5 (Dyer 67, 4), Ward 5, D. Williams 6 (Parrish, 76), Betts 5, Shilton 5, J. Williams 5 (Bishop, 67, 4), Henriksen 5. Subs (not used): Hinton, Gadsby.

Attendance: 8,275.