13-04-19 – Report – FC Utd of Manchester 0 Kidderminster Harriers 1

Joe Ironsides penalty keeps our hopes alive

Report: Harriershane

The Harriers travelled north to Broadhurst Park to face an FC United of Manchester team who came into this one desperate for a win and a favour from neighbours Ashton United. Harriers were also desperate for a favour from a local team, AFC Telford, but in the shape of a Bucks defeat. Neither side got the favour they requested but Harriers took the three points home regardless.

Following their 4-0 humbling at home to Nuneaton Borough a fortnight ago their manager Neil Reynolds promised a shakeup for the remainder of the season, bringing in a number of under 21 players for the conclusion of the season. Stand-in Harriers boss Mark Yates was forced into one change with Tom Palmer making his first league start in goal as Brandon Hall hadn’t trained all week and was still in some pain following his heart-stopping fall in the dying embers of last week’s game against Bradford Park Avenue.

For those superstitious types today’s referee was Mr Elliott Swallow, who was also in charge for the away game at AFC Telford, when Palmer was called into action, following an injury to Hall, to keep a clean sheet on the way to a 1-0 win.

The early running was made by Harriers with Sam Austin causing the FCUM backline considerable headaches, consistently beating his man. Chances were had by Ashley Chambers, Milan Butterfield and Joel Taylor, the latter of which was possibly the best chance of the lot as the ball broke to the back post but the defender could only mishit an effort wide.

Just before the twenty minute mark Austin again broke clear and combined with Fraser Horsfall who marauded forward and saw an effort saved by the overworked Andy Fisher. Moments later, Harriers probably should have scored when great play again from Austin saw the ball played into Joe Ironside who flicked the ball on to his strike partner Chambers who then poked the ball over the onrushing Fisher, but sadly over the bar.

With thirty three on the clock the deadlock was broken at long last. Ironside and Chambers were again at the heart of the attack, giving young Jan Palinkas a torrid time at the back. Inside the area, Chambers tried to find some space and was tripped. Penalty Harriers and no complaints from United.

Joe Ironside assumed the responsibility and coolly dispatched the spot kick to the goalkeeper’s right, agonisingly out of reach. A minute later and Chambers had another shout for a penalty as he was again brought down in pretty much the same spot, however this time the referee wasn’t forthcoming.

With seven to play Ed Williams found Chambers with a cross that looked inviting for the front-man but his venomous effort was blocked. The first half was one way traffic and Harriers went into the break deservedly in front but slightly disappointed to have not added to their goal.

HT: 0 – 1

The half time entertainment was provided by what was pretty much an embarrassing “Carry On 0118 style” performance by two individuals but at least it was all for a good cause trying to raise funds for their football club.

FCUM dangerman Kurt Willoughby, capped by England C recently, stung the palms of Palmer early on in the half before volleying over the top of the stand. Harriers’ first chance fell to Horsfall with a back post header wide before Liam McAlinden almost played in Ironside as Harriers reasserted their dominance against their hapless hosts.

Sam Austin, Michael Potts and McAlinden traded off-target efforts before Fisher was called into action again, saving comfortably from an Ironside header. The hitman’s last action of the game was to be fractionally beaten to a rebound as Fisher again saved, this time from a twenty yard McAlinden drive. Both strikers, Ironside and Chambers, were replaced with fifteen to go by loanee Kwame Thomas and Kane Richards.

With six minutes left to play the Harriers should once again have doubled their lead. Taylor’s ball into the box was diverted by Richards into the direction of Williams who cut inside his man and shot, only to see his effort blocked on the line by Zehn Mohammed, with the rebound falling to Richards who was finely denied at his near post by Fisher.

The game then petered out as the final five minutes or so passed without incident as Harriers secured a rare away win with the score kept respectable by a superb display from the home goalkeeper. Ironside and Chambers were excellent for Harriers, as was Milan Butterfield in the middle of the park; the Bermudan putting in an accomplished performance and underlining just why many Harriers fans have such high hopes for the youngster.

That single goal, a Joe Ironside penalty, keeps the Harriers hopes of reaching seventh place alive but with only three games to go now the light is beginning to flicker and fade. A miracle will need to happen if we are to win our three remaining games and those nearby above us lose all of theirs.

Leamington FC at home this Friday could be the one that decides it all for us.

FT: 0 – 1

Goals for Harriers: Ironside 33 (pen)

The Harriers Online MotM is: Milan Butterfield

Talk about the game here

Latest table and stats here

FC Utd of Manchester	Goals	Subs	Time	Cards
Fisher
Lynch
O’Halloran
Mohammed
Palinkas			46
Potts			76
Banister
Grimshaw
Willoughby
Myers
West			46
Subs:
Donohue			46
Sharp
Peers
Ozono			76
McDowell-Jallow			46
Harriers	Goals	Subs	Time	Cards
Palmer
Austin
Taylor
Flowers
Horsfall
Johnson
McAlinden
Butterfield
Ironside			81
Chambers			81
Williams
Subs:
Penn
Thomas			81
Richards			81
Higginson
Heaton
Referee:
Mr Elliott Swallow
Blackpool