Venue: Marsh Lane Date: 25-01-25 Oxford City 1 Harriers 1 Att: 1059 (away fans: 350)

25-01-25. Oxford City 1 Kidderminster Harriers 1. Match report

Harriers slip back down the table and a bad injury into the bargain

Report: Kidderminster Shuttle

The Harriers slipped to third in the National League North table after a faltering 1-1 draw at Oxford City on Saturday. Having squandered their single point lead at the top with defeat to Darlington FC in midweek, the Reds lost further ground in the title race – and top spot – with a showing in Oxfordshire that saw them pegged back with a 91st minute equaliser.

A further blow to the visitors came with the loss of defender Joe Foulkes to injury. The former Walsall youngster fell victim to a vicious off the ball challenge from Josh Parker that left him on a stretcher, though boss Phil Brown was relieved after the final whistle to say the damage may not have been as serious as first feared.

Following the Darlington set-back the Harriers travelled to a mid-table Oxford side with three changes made to their starting line-up. Kam Kandola moved back into the side after time out with injury, while duo Jim Kellermann and David Davis took over the midfield berths in favour of Zak Brown and Ryley Reynolds who dropped to the bench.

The early signs were good for Harriers who took the lead on twelve minutes. Reece Devine had crossed well for Foulkes, whose volley was saved superbly by the home goalkeeper, the former winning the ball back and crossing it into Ashley Hemmings who, from eight yards, headed the ball down into the ground and into the back of the net.

Midway through the half, custodian Kai McKenzie-Lyle saved from Hemmings before Oxford pairing Zac McEachran and Parker struck off target at the other end.

HT: 0 – 1

Harriers had taken a single-goal lead into the break after Maz Kouhyar shot wide, Hemmings forcing a superb save from McKenzie-Lyle barely sixty seconds after the break, a low shot turned aside with just his fingertips.

The game’s controversial moment arrived seven minutes after the restart; Foulkes clearly upended by a late and aggressive Parker. A crude challenge punished only by a yellow card while the youngster was carried from the pitch, unable to continue.

Past the hour, Kandola nodded wide of the target when in a good position, another key moment arriving seven minutes later when Oxford were awarded a penalty, the match referee taking action after spotting a shirt pull in the area. Josh Ashby stepped up from twelve yards, but his effort was parried, the ball falling back to Ashby who again found Dibble in inspired form as he kept out the rebound that looked destined for the net.

A quiet second half overall lacked any concerted spell of pressure or chances but, when nine minutes of added time were added to allow for the Foulkes injury, Oxford took their chance to pounce, a deep cross finding towering 6ft 7in Jalen Jones at the far post who diverted the ball home.

Harriers were deflated at full time but will have to quickly adjust, the trip to fellow title-chasers Brackley Town following in just a matter of days on Tuesday night.

FT: 1 – 1


Goal for Oxford City: Jones 91

Goal for Harriers: Hemmings 12


The Harriers Online MotM is: Christian Dibble

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Oxford City Goals Subs Time Cards
McKenzie-Lyle        
Burley   78
Ezennolim        
Ashby        
Jones      
Parker      
Coyle        
Fleet      
Andrews      
McEachran   79  
Drewe        
 
Subs:  
Potter   79  
Willcox        
Croker        
Scott   78  
Howell        
 
Harriers Goals Subs Time Cards
Dibble      
Foulkes   52  
Richards        
Kandola        
Kellermann   70  
McNally        
Devine        
Davis      
Morgan-Smith        
Hemmings      
Kouhyar        
 
Subs:  
Palmer        
Brown   70  
Thompson        
Obadeyi        
Reynolds   52  
 
Referee:  
Mr Jacob Viera
Liverpool