Tuesday, September 20, 2005

STUART Watkiss has some serious thinking to do after Kidderminster Harriers' 1-0 home defeat by Halifax Town last night.

Harriers produced their second Aggborough shocker in a row following Saturday's 3-1 loss to Forest Green Rovers.

The Nationwide Conference side were expected to win both games in order to bolster their promotion credentials.

But exactly the opposite materialised with Harriers' weaknesses being cruelly exposed.

In truth, compared to mostly impressive displays on their travels, Watkiss' men have flattered to deceive at home all season.

But in the last two home games they have lost the get out of jail card which saved them against Woking, Southport and Canvey Island.

There were few saving graces for Kidderminster last night as they looked disjointed, were second to far too many balls and again seemed jittery at the back on too many occasions.

Going forward, the hosts offered little even when playing with three men in attack before reverting to a 4-4-2 formation at the interval when player-coach Martin O'Connor was substituted.

Their poor displays at home have also been reflected in people going through the gates with just 1,566 watching Halifax win through a Liam Killeen goal on 27 minutes.

However, there was more than a trace of controversy as Ryan Sugden appeared to be offside in the build-up.

Then Killeen also looked offside as Danny Forrest's shot deflected and fell perfectly for the striker to easily beat goalkeeper John Danby.

Harriers' only real chance arrived on 59 minutes when Wayne Hatswell's cross was dropped by Ian Dunbavin but Taiwo Atieno could not guide the loose ball into the net.

Harriers left the field at half-time and at the final whistle to a chorus of boos. Watkiss will be glad to have two away games ahead now at Gravesend and Crawley. He must get more from his players.

HARRIERS: Danby; Evans (Heslop 67), Jackson, Burgess, Hatswell; Graves, O'Connor (Blackwood 46), Fleming; Atieno (Russell 81), Christie, Thompson. Subs not used: Burton, Sheldon.