FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
Match report Vs Chester FCVenue: AggboroughDate: 14-10-17Att: 1896 (away fans: 522)

14-10-17 - FA Cup 4th qual rd - Harriers 2 Chester FC 0

Harriers cruise past Chester in FA Cup cracker

Report: Harriershane

It was a comfortable victory over National League Chester at Aggborough today as Harriers swept the visitors aside by 2-0. 

James Pearson came into the right back position with Jimmy O’Connor taking the number 6 shirt, Andre Wright and Emmanuel Sonupè playing either side of Joe Ironside.  Harriers started the brighter of the teams and could’ve taken an early lead; Ryan Croasdale and Elton N’Gwatala both having efforts.

Harriers dominance reaped the deserved rewards about 20 minutes in though, with the sublime Elton driving forward and hitting a rasping effort which Sonupè slid in for his 9th goal of the campaign following in on the rebound off the post. Andre Wright had a manful hours work linking up well with James McQuilkin for a set piece routine that caused havoc in the Chester six yard box, N’Gwatala sending an effort over.

Chester finally created a chance with the former Huddersfield centre back John McCombe heading over from a decent position. Harriers were denied what some considered a stonewall penalty soon after when Sonupè was railroaded by the defender when through on goal, but the referee Paul Marsden was unmoved.

Half time came and went and none of the visiting 522 fans could deny that their team had been abject in their application thus far.

HT: 1 – 0

Pearson was withdrawn almost immediately after half time with a re-occurrence of his injury after having an impressive first half at right back. We hope the injury is not too severe so he can be back for Spennymoor and build upon a promising display. Tyrone Williams replaced him.

Elton N’Gwatala had been impressive, displaying a scintillating repertoire of skills throughout, his latest chance however was dragged wide after beating four men. Shortly after came a scare as Chester missed a great chance, ex Harrier Lathaniel Rowe-Turner crossing in for Jordan Chappell who headed wide. 

Harriers could’ve made it two after seventy three minutes  when McQuilkin crossed in an excellent ball but Joe Ironside was blocked. Moments later he would not be denied, a diving header hitting the post and sneaking in. It was exactly what the home side deserved.

They had shirked the old habit of sitting deep and inviting pressure onto themselves to keep the pressure on and continued to control the game. Sonupè came off towards the end with a standing ovation, Sam Austin replacing him and looking dangerous immediately.

A decent crowd of 1896 was in today, 522 from Chester, with the official man of the match being Elton N’Gwatala. It must be said, to a man they were excellent today, and it was a toss up between Sonupè and Elton, the latter looking fit and back to his best. I’d have to agree with the official pronouncement regarding Elton. 

It may be regarded as an upset in terms of league status although the bookies opened with Harriers as favourites. Regardless of upset or not Harriers reach the first round with the draw taking place on the television, BBC2 at 7pm.

Portsmouth at home? Or a winnable team wherever? Whatever we get, let’s enjoy the ride in this wonderful tournament.

FT: 2 – 0


Goals for Harriers: Sonupè 19, Ironside 78


The Harriers Online MotM is: Elton N’Gwatala

Talk about the game here and phone the Harriers Hotline on 01905 577 777 after the game too

Latest table and stats here


HarriersGoalsSubsTimeCards
Hall    
Pearson 47 
Taylor    
Croasdale    
Horsfall    
O’Connor    
Sonupè80 
McQuilkin    
Ironside   
N’Gwatala    
Wright 59 
 
Subs: 
A Brown    
Weeks    
Digie    
Austin 80 
Williams 47 
Bradley 59 
Howkins    
 
Chester FCGoalsSubsTimeCards
Lynch    
Halls   
Rowe-Turner   
James    
McCombe 71 
Astles    
Turnbull    
White 59 
Dawson    
Waters 46 
Akintunde    
 
Subs: 
Crump    
Chappell 46 
Davies    
Bell 71 
Jones    
Shaw    
Zanzala 59 
     
Referee: 
Mr Paul Marsden
Leyland