28-11-17 – Report – Harriers 2 Boston Utd 0

Harriers finally finish off Boston

Report: Phil Lench

The Harriers made it through to the next round of the FA Trophy this evening with an assured 2-0 win at home to Boston Utd and will now be playing the cup holders York City in the next round. On Saturday the Reds were robbed of the win in the final ten minutes of the game as Boston came from two goals down to force the replay and by the end of tonights game there were signs that they could do the same again but our defence held out for once to keep them at bay and keep the clean sheet.

There was a late change just before the start of the game when James Pearson got injured in the warm up and Tyrone Williams was given his first start since suspension in his place. On the bench there was no sign of our recent signing Yan Klukowski and no reason given for his absence. Also on the bench were the two academy graduates Gabriel Danko and Harry Higginson. The latter replacing Williams at short notice.

The game started scrappily with many passes from both sides going astray and a total lack of passing on the floor from both sides. It was Boston that had the edge in those opening ten minutes though but then they found themselves a goal down, and somewhat against the run of play, when Joe Ironside’s effort was parried away by the Boston keeper George Willis. The ball was played across by Andre Brown to Declan Weeks and this time Elton N’Gwatala collected it the moved forward bend the ball around his marker and into the net.

The visitors didn’t fold after that goal and kept coming at us forcing corner after corner. Again some solid defending and assured hands from Brandon Hall kept them from really benefiting from the set pieces.

We had chances to increase our lead too with Ryan Croasdale firing over the bar twice and then just before the break Sam Austin saw his shot tipped over the bar by Willis and long range efforts from Ironside and James O’Connor going wide of the target.

HT: 1 – 0

At the start of the second half we pushed Sam Austin up a little further and he began to stretch their defenders more than they had been in the first half. Again Willis thwarted Ironsides attempt but he finally got his reward just before the hour mark.

We had just sent on Emmanuel Sonupè for the below par Andre Brown and his pace began to cause panic in the Boston defence. Twice in quick succession he broke away and headed for goal but poor control let him down. His arrival was the catalyst though and again we managed to quickly get behind Bostons defence for James McQuilkin to cross it into the area at just the right trajectory and pace for Ironside to finish the move off for his eleventh goal of the season.

Still Boston didn’t give up completely and Ashley Hemmings curled a shot just wide of the goal and James McGuire sent a free kick in but Hall collected it comfortably. Worryingly we began to sit back and visions of yet another victory vanishing appeared in the fans minds but we looked more solid at the back that in recent weeks and Boston were beginning to tire.

We were all hoping for a third goal to settle the nerves but it didn’t come and in the dying seconds of the game one of the academy lads, Gabriel Danko, was sent on for the experience.

We now await the visit of York City on December 16th and the chance to progress further in the Trophy but before that we have three league games beginning this Saturday at home to Gainsborough Trinity before travelling away to Harrogate and Chorley. Both very tough looking games.

FT: 2 – 0

Goals for Harriers: N’Gwatala 10, Ironside 58

The Harriers Online MotM is: Fraser Horsfall

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

Latest table and stats here

Harriers	Goals	Subs	Time	Cards
Hall
Williams
Austin
Croasdale
Horsfall
O’Connor
Weeks
McQuilkin
Ironside			74
N’Gwatala			92
A Brown			55
Subs:
Eve
Higginson
Truslove			74
Sonupè			55
Danko			92
Boston Utd	Goals	Subs	Time	Cards
Willis
Stabana			61
Curry
McGuire
Beatson
McGowan
Rollins
Broadhead			82
Thompson
Tshimanga			69
Hemmings
Subs:
Vince			82
Clifton			61
Yeomans
Smith			69
Hawley
Referee:
Mr Ben Cooke
Tamworth