KIDDY WIN FIRST FRIENDLIES

By KJ
July 13 2003

Kidderminster Harriers got their pre season campaign off to winning start. Harriers beat Dr Martens Western side Evesham United 3-1 on Saturday and then followed up with a 1-0 over Midland Alliance side, Stratford Town.

HERE WE GO AGAIN
EVESHAM UTD 1 KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 3
Harriers returned to action in the Vale of Evesham with a 3-1 win over their Dr Martens league opponents. With many trialists and a “Sven” like approach to substitutions, the game was not for the purist.
MATCH REPORT
Harriers kicked off their pre season campaign with a visit to Evesham Utd, who are managed by former Kiddy favourite Phil Mullen. With so many trialists and it being the first game, the match was rather disjointed. Evesham did have their moments as well and tested Brocky a couple of times. However on 28 minutes Harriers took the lead, when Matt Lewis, made space inside the area and fired in a low shot, which the Evesham keeper got a touch to, but couldn’t keep it out. Shortly after Dean Bennett hit the bar with a looping header and trialist Wilding had a goal rule out for offside.
The second half saw a virtually new eleven for Harriers and early on Evesham equalised. Former Harrier Jay Powell managed to get his head to a cross and the ball looped in past the wrong footed John Danby. The game continued the predictable pre season pattern form then on. Harriers did have most of the possession but didn’t really threaten. This was until another trialist, former Swansea man John Williams fired Kiddy 2-1 up from close in, drilling it low into the bottom corner. Harriers finished the game off in injury time when another trial player, ex Walsall man Paschalis slotted home from close range.
STATS
Harriers line up Brock (DanbyHT),Coleman(Smith HT),Stamps(NaradaHT),Gadsby(HintonHT),Murphy,Parrish(PascalisHT), Heath (D.WilliamsHT),Flynn(WardHT),Bennett(ShiltonHT),Wilding(DanksHT),Lewis (J WilliamsHT).
Scorers: Lewis, J Williams, Pascalis.
MY DAY
For some games I will talk you through my day supporting the Harriers.
JOURNEY
Pleasant journey but a little confusing. My navigation system was adamant that I travel via Pershore. It tried to get me on the M5, then constantly tried to direct me via Pershore. With that woman’s voice pounding in my ears, I relented at Pinvin and headed for Pershore. Whilst on my way to Pershore, I realised that earlier this week, I’d been in Pershore and the main road was being dug up. Fortunately they had finished the works and there were no hold ups. I did take one wrong turn, just before getting to the ground and had a quick tour of the estate by the ground. I wouldn’t say it was a rough area, but I did spot a Cheltenham town sticker in one car !
THE GROUND
Not one of the best around, but adequate for Evesham. I did think one side could be converted to terracing, until I saw a train on the top of the would be terrace, which is in fact, a railway embankment. I’ve just had a thought, didn’t Evesham buy the steel from the old Cowshed ? I couldn’t see anything that resembled it at Common Road.
FOOD&DRINK
With the hot weather, I made straight for the refreshment kiosk, and promptly asked for a cold can or something only to be told that they hadn’t got any yet. They did have plenty of packet soup though, not the ideal beverage on such a day.
I waited till half time and made for their Social Club. On viewing the large queue gathering at the front of the bar, I made for the side. To my surprise I was served straight away, and I stood there, eyes down, as the crowd at the front stared angrily at the queue jumper.
THE MATCH
Not the greatest of games and difficult to get into. One reason being the first game and secondly, I wasn’t familiar with half of our team. Most of the players did ok, nice to see Matt Lewis get on the scoresheet. Big John Williams looked better than expected and took his goal well. Kevin Murphy looked ok at the back, and his height could be useful. Evesham included a few ex Kiddy players with one of them Jay Powell, heading the equaliser. The highlight of the Evesham team for me was the Taliban bearded midfielder, he would have had some stick in a competitive match.
SUMMARY
So all in all a good day out. Wasn’t sure whether to go or not but glad I did. Nice to see everyone again after the summer break and good to see a game again.
Stratford Town 0 Harriers 1
Harriers followed up their Evesham success with a narrow win at Stratford. Trialist and former Wolves man, Graham Ward got the winner. Again, Britt made many changes and virtually fielded two teams.