Friday, December 30, 2005

A GROUP of good-willed supporters may wonder why they spent the day ensuring the pitch would be playable for Kidderminster Harriers' clash with Burton Albion.

Because the players certainly did them no favours with another sub-standard Conference display and result, losing 1-0 to Nigel Clough's side.

Winger Keith Gilroy scored the winner on 66 minutes and it was the least Burton deserved. Maybe Harriers will finally wake up now and realise they are in a relegation scrap for the second season in a row?

Their suffering supporters enjoyed a bit of festive cheer with two good cup displays but caretaker-boss Martin O'Connor was not about to defend this latest shambles.

And although O'Connor has not publically declared his interest in the job on a permanent basis, he realises there may be little chance of that regardless if Friday night's performance is anything to go by.

Honest O'Connor admitted: "The decision needs to be made and very quickly. But, after that performance, would you offer me a job?

"In previous weeks I have not been able to question the lads' effort or commitment whatsoever, but after this you have to ask: 'Where was that commitment?'

"We didn't show any, we didn't perform and we got dominated. We got what we deserved from the game and Burton will probably feel like they haven't because they could have scored several more."

O'Connor was not about to blame 'keeper Daniel Lewis whose sliced clearance provided Gilroy with the ideal opportunity to strike the winner.

On a bobbly, rain-soaked pitch, Harriers' players were probably best advised to avoid many pass-backs to Lewis -- yet they did the opposite.

O'Connor continued: "Danny has put his hand up to the mistake and he's ready to accept his part of the blame but you have to say that the defence should have learnt their lesson a lot earlier than they did.

"They kept knocking the ball back when it was clear it wasn't working and it's cost us the goal.

"You can say that Burton only got their goal because of our mistake but ask yourself honestly if you think we ever looked like scoring and you'll see the answer to that is 'no'."

Shaun Harrad, in particular, should have buried Harriers, missing several good chances, while Lewis pulled off a string of fine saves.

However, Iyseden Christie had the ball in the net for Harriers before the interval after charging down goalkeeper Saul Deeney's kick but his effort was ruled out for handball.

Gareth Sheldon was otherwise their main threat, demanding one save from Deeney, as did sub Taiwo Atieno in a late bout of pressure.

HARRIERS: Lewis; Flynn, Jackson, Mullins, Hatswell; Sheldon, Fleming, Penn (Heslop 57), Blackwood; Thompson (Atieno 72), Christie. Subs not used: Burgess, Wilson, Hurren.

ATTENDANCE: 1,749.