Harriers held by Darlo

Harriers 1 Darlo 1
By KJ
January 17 2004

Harriers were held to a 1-1 draw by Darlington today at Aggboro. Harriers held the lead from the 7th minute until conceding another late sickening goal.

Harriers 1 Darlo 1 (brief report)

Harriers boss Jan Molby made a few changes to the side that lost at Wolves. Scott Stamps was missing through suspension so Adie Smith moved over to left back and Matt Gadsby was on the right. Adam Murray came into the midfield and John Williams replaced Bo Henrisken up front.

Harriers started the better and went 1-0 on 7 minutes. Jesper Christiansen perfectly set up new boy Adam Murray to slot home from the edge of the box. Murray, who was later named the sponsors man of the match was impressive and he nearly added to Harriers goal tally with a long range effort, which was well saved and then cleared for a corner. As the 1st half wore on Darlo came into the game more but didn’t really threaten Brock in the Harriers goal. Then Jesper could have scored just before the interval but his shot was well saved.

So into the 2nd half and Harriers really failed to build on their promising start but still had chances to get the 2nd goal and possibly put the game beyond Darlo. Matt Gadsby’s header hit the bar and ended up in the home end and Dean Bennett shot wide when arriving late in the box. Possibly Harriers best chance fell to John Williams. The big man did well to get clear of the defence but his last touch was heavy and the Darlo keeper just about managed to get out and block his run. Big John was replaced by Bo Henriksen.

To their credit Darlington kept battling away and one did feel that Harriers would rue not getting a 2nd goal. Most of the Darlo pressure was in the air and Harriers had to defend frantically against their opponents, who were spurred on by battering ram Conlon. There were a few anxious moments but in the end Harriers couldn’t quite hold out and conceded a last minute goal for the 2nd home game running. Last time it was Rae of Wolves who did it but at least we had a replay and some much needed money to look forward to. This time it was 2 points lost as McGurk headed in from close range. Predictable in the end as a close range header or a scrambled effort looked Darlo’s best option, and fair play to them, as I suppose they deserved it in a way. Perhaps if we could have played some of the football we are capable of, like we did at times in the 1st half, then we could have put them out of site. Our defence is much improved from earlier in the season but we cannot withstand constant pressure, particularly in the air. Not sure if we do need anyone else. Perhaps, when under the cosh Gadsby could move into the centre, or more radically maybe we need a big keeper. No disrespect to Brocky, who is an excellent shot stopper, the problem is in this division, a lot of teams don’t score with shots, its close range headers. I do recall not conceding much from corners and set plays when Digby was here last season. Anyway, at least we didn’t lose and the biggest positive was Adam Murray, who looks a class act.

Other news

Shock 4 days too late

We all hoped for a shock at Molinuex this week, it did happen but 4 days too late from our point of view. Wolves beat Prem Champions Man Utd 1-0 today with a Kenny Miller goal. They obviously must have raised their game since Tuesday and well done to them.

Swifts on Tuesday

Harriers take on Stourport Swifts at Aggboro on Tuesday. The kick off is earlier than usual at 7.30pm and admission is £5 adults and £3 concessions. The game is in the Worcestershire Senior Cup, round 2.

Farewell Whitey

as you all probably know, striker Andy White returned early to Mansfield on friday. JJJ would like to thank Andy for his short spell with the club. Who knows he may return, as I read in todays programme that Jan will keep an eye on him.