Kidderminster Harriers Supporters Team

A 14 man squad left Aggborough at 7.30am for the eagerly anticipated IFA clash against Watford. Seven days earlier, the Fans Team had already been acquainted with the fine Facilities after Watford kindly hosted the match between Kidderminster and Shrewsbury. Upon arrival, the Team-talk from the gaffer was straight forward and concise - Simply to put the previous awful results behind them and to keep things tight early on.

The team was well prepared. Dave Williams had carried out the pre-match drills, the 4-4-1-1 formation had been laid out by Manager and the Factor 50 liberally applied, however the Fans Team soon found themselves in a familiar situation after conceding two very early and equally sloppy goals. Firstly a direct free-kick was handed to the hosts from 25 yards which Watford gladly despatched and a free-header from 3 yards out from a set-piece was bundled over the line by the Watford centre-half. 15 Minutes in and the visitors 2 goals down. The travelling contingent made up of Becks and the three subs were staring down the barrel of another gruelling defeat, however what was to follow can only be described as vintage Kidderminster Harriers Fans Team. Something clicked. Pride took over and the adrenalin started to flow.

The attack, consisting of Dave Pountney as the lone striker and Dave Greaves playing ‘in the hole’, soon started to threaten after some clever link-up play with the Midfield, but the well organised Watford defence stood firm and a number of half chances went begging. The visitors did get themselves back in the game though with the introduction of the subs. Ash Jarvis, who came on for Tom Hudson, got on the end of through ball and his shot cannoned off the upright and Ben Grazier was on hand to smash the ball home from 10 yards. The visitors now had the initiative but could not find an equaliser before the half-time whistle blew.

The second half saw Kiddy attacking down into the gentle slope. With the blazing Hertfordshire sun and the Rock-hard surface taking its toll on the players it was the Harriers who were now firmly in the ascendency. The hosts proved once again stubborn and well organised, they had clearly played together for some years and were not going to surrender the lead to Worcestershire’s finest. Dave Pountney missed good chances to equalise and Dave Greaves and Ash Jarvis also came close with a series of half chances.

Watford though still had plenty to offer going forward with a series of neat counter attacks but the away defence were unflustered with Richard Millington impressing at right back. The Equaliser did come through with 15 minutes left, a free-kick on the half way line was superbly flighted by Ollie Sewell and Mark Connolly managed to bundle his header into the path of Dave Pountney who made no mistake from 8 yards. In the closing stages Kiddy pushed and pushed but could not find the winner and the game ended with a 2-2 scoreline.

Although the away side had most of the possession and chances, the result was probably a fair reflection of the game as Watford proved not only great hosts but also decent football side. A quick shower and an M25 warm-down followed before the fans team’s arrival in Grays to cheer on the Harriers’ first away win of the season. Another great day out had by all.

Team - Dave Ackerley, Mike Peplow, Ollie Sewell, Mark Connolly, Dave Greaves, Ben Grazier, David Williams, Luke Mansell, Mark Young, Richard Millington, Ash Jarvis, Tom Hudson, Nathan Fox and Dave Pountney.

Scorers - Dave Pountney and Ben Grazier

Man of the Match - Mark Young

Match report courtesy of Mark Connolly