Kidderminster Harriers 1 Grays Athletic 0
Sat, March 8, 2008. Kick off: 3:00 PM
Match Report By Martin Candler
This performance points up the inconsistent nature of the Blues season so far. After such a fine, spirited win against Torquay last week, Grays turned in a tentative, rudderless display at Kidderminster‘s impressive Aggborough Stadium on Saturday. Perhaps the reported illness prevalent in the camp contributed in some way, but Grays were unable to raise their game against opponents whose pleasing approach play was undermined by a lack of a killer touch in front of goal. Indeed the winner, scored by Darryl Knights in the 23rd minute, was struck with venom and accuracy from 25 yards; qualities that were sadly out of keeping with the tame attempts on goal from both sides over the 90 minutes.
Kidderminster, buoyed by their 6-goal demolition of Stafford Rangers in the week, started well and a header from Mark Creighton was just over the bar. Iyselden Christie then shot straight at Ross Flitney and Russell Penn blazed over. With Andy Sambrook employed as the holding player in mid-field and Jamie Taylor and Marlon Patterson pushed wide, Grays never looked comfortable with the system and by the second half began to look increasingly confused, despite exhortations from a somewhat over-full coaching bench!
In the second half , a superb pass out of defence by Jamie Stuart saw Jamie Taylor go on a fine run but as he entered the box he pushed the ball a little too far in front of him and could only find the side netting with his shot. Kidderminster should have doubled their lead 15 minutes from time when Christie dummied a Knights cross and left the onrushing Penn completely clear with only Flitney to beat, but he shot wildly over the bar. Even the introduction of all three subs did not help Grays‘ fortunes, two of which, namely Aaron O‘Connor and Jack Obersteller, had promising shooting opportunities but, perhaps betraying a lack of belief, fired over on both occasions. Kidderminster had a couple of chances as the game reached its conclusion but could not add to their score.
Grays Athletic: Flitney, Downer, Ashton (Day 46), Stuart, Gross, J.Taylor, Watson (O'Connor 41), Sambrook, Standing, Patterson (Obersteller 66), Kedwell.
Subs Not Used: Eyre, S.Taylor.
Booked: Kedwell, Day.
Attn: 1262
Ref: S Cummins (Runcorn).
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