Saturday, August 17, 2002

IAN Britton is quickly learning the harsh facts of life as a Nationwide League manager as Kidderminster Harriers continue to search for their first win of the season following Saturday's 3-1 Division Three defeat against Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park.

Harriers contributed to their own disappointing downfall by scoring an own goal, having striker Drewe Broughton sent off and conceding a penalty.

It leaves them in the basement area in the table with just two points out of a possible nine while their former Nationwide Conference rivals Rushden are flying high in top spot.

Afterwards Britton admitted his defence were poor and that Broughton would be 'dealt with' for being sent off in the 59th minute for two bookings.

The second was dished out after he appeared to lead with his elbow during a heading duel with Barry Hunter.

Harriers, who frequently found Rushden striker Onandi Lowe difficult to handle, had their chances up front, but were also heavily indebted to keeper Stuart Brock for making two excellent saves in the second half.

Overall, however, it was a frustrating afternoon for Britton who admitted his side had shot themselves in the foot 'big time'.

He said: "It comes down to two ends of the boxes. One end we didn't defend well and at the other end we didn't put the chances away. How many times do they want telling?

"But even when Broughton got sent off for a spell of half an hour we probably played our best football and created two or three chances, so even down to ten men they weren't better than us."

Britton confessed that the same players were contributing to the same problems as last season. "But we can't do anything about it when we haven't go any money. We can't bring anybody in so you have got to carry on with what we've got."

He added: "I'm disappointed but this is our first loss. I know the problems and I know where they lie. We have just got to keep working on them.

"But I'm confident we'll win more games than we'll lose. We'll pick up points, that won't be a problem. But if we are ever going to be more than that then we have got to be better at certain things."

Rushden signalled their intentions in the 13th minute with a shot from Stuart Gray which crashed against the post.

A minute later Flynn headed into his own net following an awkward inswinging corner from Daniel Talbot.

Lee Ayres was forced to take over from Abdou Sall just before half time when the giant defender suffered concussion after being accidentally kicked on the head by Lowe.

Six minutes after Broughton's dismissal Rushden made it 2-0 when Williams tripped Duane Darby and Gray scored from the penalty spot.

Brock made to crucial saves to deny Darby and Stuart Wardley before Harriers scored with a 20 yarder from Williams and with nine minutes left Darby completed the scoring.