Kidder 0 Donny 2

defeat on return
By KJ
October 25 2003

Harriers lost 2-0 to Donacster today, as Aggborough welcomed back Jan Molby and Gary Barnett.Plenty for Jan to think about then. Plus the FA Cup draw was made tonight

p>DONNY DEFEAT FOR KIDDY

Harriers went down 2-0 to high flying Doncaster Rovers today at Aggborough in Jan Molby’s homecoming. Looking back it was quite a deserved defeat and we can have no complaints about it. Jan now knows what task is ahead of him and I’m confident he will be able to turn it round.

Harriers made one change to the starting line up from Tuesday’s win at Northampton, Sam Shilton came into midfield replacing Sean Parrish, who dropped to the bench. Harriers started reasonably well, but were dealt a blow early on, veteran striker John Williams going off injured to be replaced by Matt Lewis. Donny tok the led when Blundell, disposed Hatswell, who was struggling with a bad pass and raced on to slot past Brock. Harriers did try and get back into the game but failed to create any clear cut chances.

Into the second half and Harriers were still second best. Jan decided to bring on Sean Parrish and hand a debut to Steve Burton. Donny notched a second, with Brown slotting in from close range from a left wing cross. This again was caused by Kidder failing to clear their lines. Harriers did step up a bit but in the end Donny deserved the 3 points, as our lack of fire power became ever more apparent. Danny Williams did have a good effort that went just over and Matt Lewis managed to get a save out of their keeper late on but that was it.

This defeat saw Harriers drop back to 23 rd in the league, although there are a few teams on the same number of points. To state the obvious, we still need a striker, or two in my opinion. We only have one definite div. 3 quality striker at the club in Bo Henriksen and he hasn’t had the best of seasons. Bo should hopefully come good with the right partner and when he’s fully fit, of course. Matt Lewis, could be ok but he cant play on his own up front. So Matt’s a maybe but I’m afraid big John is not the answer. I would doubt if he will get an extension to his contract. He does battle well but I think we need better. It’s a shame really, I often look at players who are based locally and think they may end up at Kidder but at 35, John’s best years are behind him. Pity we didn’t get him 2 or 3 years ago.

The crowd reaction to Jan today was ok but not the brilliant atmosphere some predicted. At least there were no obvious boo boys, it will take time but I believe with a couple of new strikers will make all the difference. Hopefully in time for the FA Cup.

FA CUP DRAW

Harriers have been drawn at Home to either Northwich Victoria or Halifax Town. I’m quite pleased with that draw really. Firstly we are at home, which is always nice, and against Conference opponents. This is not to say I’m cock sure we’ll win, its just much better than playing another division three side. All I hope for is someone different, a div 2 side would be nice but wither of the above will do. The game is scheduled for Saturday 8th November, unless Sky come in, which I doubt very much. Since being in the League, we have been knocked out every year by a fellow 3rd division out fit. To be honest I’d rather be giantkilled than lose to a team you already play twice. Especially last year, when we lost to Rushden moneybags.