Sunday, April 9, 2006

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers had one man sent off and another red-carded in the tunnel after the game in a thrilling 2-2 draw at York City.

But Harriers were not quite party poopers for play-off chasing City on their family fun day yesterday as home striker Clayton Donaldson levelled a minute from time.

Michael Blackwood was dismissed after handling in the area and then directing foul and abusive language at referee Mo Matadar.

Then defender Johnny Mullins, booked during the Conference game, was also shown a red card for words said to the official after the final whistle.

Harriers, already without Daryl Burgess due to suspension, must now call on all their limited resources to field a team until the end of the season.

At Kit-Kat Crescent, a dull first-half contrasted sharply with an enthralling second period.

Harriers showed their resilience away from home under boss Mark Yates who has only lost one league game from eight on his travels.

The visitors enjoyed much of the early possession and York only threatened through several Nathan Peat efforts as on-loan Simon Rea impressed at the back.

York, who drew 0-0 at Aggborough in November, played their way into the match though and went ahead on 50 minutes.

Blackwood was adjudged to have handled and his red card was compounded by former Harriers striker Andy Bishop's penalty which crept in off the underside of the bar.

But, as so often happens, the 10 men were spurred on and Jon Newby forced a fine save from 'keeper Chris Porter.

Russ Penn lashed a great chance wide but the equaliser eventually arrived from an unlikely source on 72 minutes -- Terry Fleming's second goal of the season. Luke Reynolds' shot was heading towards goal but midfielder Fleming applied the finishing touch to the delight of the 95 away fans.

Just five minutes later, recent signing Reynolds also bagged his second for the club, heading in Jake Sedgemore's cross to give Harriers an unlikely lead.

But City were not prepared to give up the game that easily and their heavy pressure resulted in plenty of chances on Danny Lewis' goal.

Rea blocked well from Mark Convery but Donaldson finally broke Harriers' resolve with a follow-up after Lewis saved from Bishop.

Harriers richly deserved at least a point though and their touch of fortune when Emmanuel Panther struck the post in stoppage time. Yates will look to keep up his impressive away record at Canvey Island on Friday.

HARRIERS: Lewis; Mullins, Rea, Hurren, Harkness; Sedgemore, Fleming, Penn, Blackwood; Newby (Sheldon 82), Reynolds (Thompson 83). Subs not used: Danby, Russell, McGrath.

ATTENDANCE: 3,376.