Saturday, January 18, 2003

BOSS Ian Britton delivered a few more home truths after Kidderminster Harriers let a lead slip in losing 2-1 at lowly Darlington in Division Three.

Harriers passed up yet another chance to move closer to the play-off zone and they have now conceded 19 goals in a worrying run of just two wins in 11 games.

With both Darlington goals coming from crosses finished lethally by makeshift striker Matt Clarke, Britton admitted he just did not have the personnel to deal with such situations.

His bid to boost the defence is yet to reap any reward and Harriers badly need a winning run to revive their season.

A frustrated Britton fumed: "I feel as though I might as well be hitting my head against a brick wall.

"The facts don't lie. Another two goals have gone in from crosses. We haven't got people who can deal with it.

"I'm sick and tired of saying the same things to the players over and over again. And I am sick and tired of how many goals we have conceded from headers and crosses.

"At 1-0 up, we looked very comfortable. I was thinking we were going to get a good result but we just threw it away."

Harriers were yet to suffer an away league defeat at any side outside of the top two but that statistic changed on Saturday.

A dreadful first half provided few highlights though Harriers offered the odd moment of inspiration against a dour Darlington outfit.

Danny Williams saw his 30-yard thunderbolt tipped over by keeper Andy Collett on 20 minutes before Bo Henriksen had a shot blocked and Andy Bishop fired wide after a good solo run close to half-time.

But a congested midfield battle was livened up by a moment of magic from top scorer Henriksen five minutes into the second period.

The Dane skilfully flicked a volley over his shoulder and past a motionless Collett from Kenny Coleman's low cross into the box.

Henriksen's strike should have set Harriers on their way to an important away success but Clarke, switched from defence to attack at half-time, had other ideas.

The towering Darlington man routinely headed home a right-wing Richard Hodgson corner at the far post on 61 minutes to equalise.

There was more class in Clarke's winner on 84 minutes as he netted an excellent 15-yard volley from Hodgson's centre but the visitors' defending was again woeful.

Adie Smith's impressive return from injury was a rare bright spot for Harriers who were pushed down to 13th position. by the defeat.