Harriers hold Foxes

Leicester held
By KJ
July 22 2003

Harriers kicked off their home friendlies with a 1-1 draw against a strong Leicester City side. In front of the new East Stand Harriers put in a good display. All thanks to the Foxes for bringing a strong squad.

Harriers 1 Leicester 1 (HT 0-0) Att 2501
So an encouraging first home friendly draw for Kiddy, playing for the first time in front of the new East Stand. Firstly all credit to Micky Adams and Leicester City for fielding a strong side. The daft thing is on such occasions, the stronger the team the better chance for the underdog. Established players probably don’t put as much effort in as fringe or squad players. Last night was encouraging not just for the result, as more for the performance.
Harriers started well and big John Williams nearly put us in front, forcing a save from Coyne in the Foxes goal. A pretty even first half, which saw Matt Elliott and Muzzy Izzet start for Leicester. The Foxes did come close however, when Stewarts spectacular effort hitting the bar. Whilst trialist Nerada nearly enhanced a fine performance with a goal. So goalless at the break
In the first minute of the second half Leicester went in front through giant hitman Brian Deane, who netted from close range. This stung Harriers into action and there were many good displays for Britt to ponder over. Big John Williams nearly equalised with a close range shot, before going off injured, and the impressive Narada hit the post with a header. Harriers did start to make some changes and two of these subs combined with around 15 minutes to go. Crowd favourite Bomber Bo Henriksen, on for Matt Lewis broke down the right wing and nipped over a fine cross which went across goal to be met by Sam Shilton who shot powerfully home, into the new goals after this both sides could have won and Harriers did go very close through another sub, Kyle Lightbourne. The Bermudan shot wide when it looked easier to score. At the other end Leicester forced some good saves from Brocky.
So all in all a satisfying evenings work for Kiddie and some good displays from the trialists. See below for our thoughts on the players performances.
Harriers line up & ratings
1.S BROCK steady game with a few impressive saves, a few nervous moments with backpasses but overall a good display
2.K COLEMAN one of his best displays in a Kiddie shirt, looks like he’s got something to prove and he proved it, good game at wing back.
3. S STAMPS typically solid display, as part of the back three, didn’t attack as much as he’d like to but solid.
4.D WILLIAMS good display as standard, good passing and a few Daggers trademark challenges to remind Leicester that competitive action is not far away.
5 C HINTON solid as standard. (sub A SMITH on too late for comment really)
6 A WILLIS very impressed with the former Swindon man and on this evidence would sign him up
7 D BENNETT good game for Benno, energetic and tested their defence well (Sub G WARD the Wolves man looked good in his brief spell off the bench and got stuck in).
8 S FLYNN another ageless display by the veteran and argued well with the ref. (Sub S PARRISH did well in time on pitch).
9 J WILLIAMS a trial player that I’m not sure about, but a good display tonight and now I think he should be worth at least a short contract (sub K LIGHTBOURNE didn’t have long to make an impression but he did miss a sitter, which I joked could have earned him a deal, in non league ! in fairness, difficult to say)
10 M LEWIS tried hard and nice touches but not too effective, however he wont be coming up against the likes of Matt Elliott & co every week (Sub B HENRIKSEN good cross for goal and nice touches as expected, no real chances to score)
11 NARADA I was very impressed with the lad and would sign him up. Was thinking if Shilts would get in on this display –then- (sub S SHILTON having said that about Narada, Shilts come on and did brilliant. Worked hard and got a few crosses over and then capped it all with the equaliser)
Referee: Dermot Gallagher , looks like the standard wont improve this season in the English game. Not much of a complaint but very over fussy, not that it mattered but he is regarded as one of the best in the country, god help us.

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SATURDAY 26TH JULY KO 3.00 PM (NOT FRIDAY !!)
WEST BROM
PREVIEW LATER IN THE WEEK.