Threeasy Does It For Kidderminster

The Lions lost a crucial match at Kidderminster’s Aggborough Stadium to remain in bottom place, read more in our match report sponsored by BuildADrive.com.

The Harriers struck early to take control of the game in the Worcestershire sunshine as The Lions lacked the presence of the hosts.

Without a fit available centre half, following Jason Sraha’s recall and injuries to Hamza Bencherif and Andy Hollins, Lebrun Mbeka and George Cantrill lined up at the heart of the back line.

Ashley Hemmings had the first chance of the afternoon but his shot was easily saved by Owen Mason, the ball went up the other end and Ethan Cartwright regained possession in the middle of the park but his shot went straight at Tom Palmer in the Harriers goal.

A ball forward found Caleb Richards free down the left hand side and he picked out Hemmings who powered a header past Mason to open the scoring.

In a stop start half The Lions did put some pressure on the home back line from throw-ins but they stood up to it and Palmer went untested.

In a flat opening 45 the visitors did offer a threat going forward but each time the shots were blocked by a defender in red, Lebrun Mbeka’s shot won a second corner on the spin but it came to nothing.

With under 10 minutes left of the first half Geraldo Bajrami was picked out after a well worked short corner and the defender picked his spot and slotted into the bottom corner to double his side’s lead.

The last action of note in the first 45 was the early substitution of Regan Hutchinson who went off with a knock, Ollie Brown came on in his place.

At the break Steve Kittrick opted to change his options up top with Adam Haw replaced by Josh Stones.

Seven minutes into the second half though it was effectively game over when the referee opted to award Kidderminster a penalty for a handball in the area.

Hemmings got his second half the afternoon when he sent Mason the wrong way from the spot.

The Lions’ best moment of the game came just under the hour mark when Prince Ekpolo delivered a perfect cross for Stones but the striker couldn’t get on the end of it and the ball flashed across face of Palmer’s goal.

Then 10 minutes later came the highest quality football all afternoon from the visitors, John Johnston linked up with Stones but the number 10’s shot was saved by Palmer.

It was to be the final chance of a game that had the an end of season feel to it as The Lions will now likely need maximum points from the final two games to stay up following Telford’s draw with Boston United.

The Lions return to Nethermoor on Monday with Spennymoor Town the visitors in a 3pm kick-off.

Attendance 2077 including 51 travelling supporters

Team: 1. Owen Mason, 2. Regan Hutchinson (44’ Brown), 3. Thierry Latty-Fairweather, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. George Cantrill, 7. Kaine Felix, 8. Jamie Spencer (C), 9. Adam Haw (46’ Stones), 10. John Johnston and 11. Ethan Cartwright (59’ Kellett).

Subs: 12. Dom Tear, 13. Scott Maloney (GK), 14. Ollie Brown, 15. Josh Stones and 16. Andy Kellett.

Next Up:

3:00 pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Mickleover vs Guiseley