The Harriers went into the game off the back of a disapointing cup exit to Brookwook & District and were desperate for three points against Stoughton Villa Reserves to ease thier relegation worries.
As manager Bruce Jones was window shopping in Amsterdam, his newly appointed assistant and player Tom Drew was placed in charge of proceedings. Tom had his work cut out after influential centre back Mike Downs was serving a one match ban and dependable Harry Rolfe was d unfit to play after being involved in a training ground tussle with fellow team mate Dave Parsons. Both players required stitches after reportedly brutal exchange of blows at thier William Perkins training camp. Jones refused to comment on the matter during an interview Thursday evening.
Drew had to shuffle the squad due to recent events and made several tactical changes. Ian Antonio who is usaully deployed as a winger dropped back to play left back, Ray Duke was told to play centre back with Downs being suspendid. Midfield was then replaced with super sub Adam Harris and nowhere to be seen Tom Drew to play along side player of the season Steve Bruce. The rest stayed the same.
The reverse fixture saw Harriers lose heavily to SVR and were out for revenge and they didn't dissapoint thier loyal crowd of 11 dog walkers and the odd runner. The game started off as a very scrappy affair with both teams choosing to play the long ball. Which led to very few chances although a golden opportunity fell to SVR striker who should of scored put over from yards out. This continued for most of the first half and when the ref blew up Harriers were happy with the first half outcome. The second half kicked off much the same as the first until a misunderstanding between three defenders le d to SVR nicking the lead 0-1. This was now when Harriers had to pull them selves together and starting playing sume aggressive football from the mid-field. SVR could not live with pressure and when Harriers were awarded a free kick Ray stepped up to take. Although it was a poor effort, it took a wicked bounce and fooled the keeper 1-1, Duke did smirk knowing it was lucky.
The game got underway and once again Harriers were on the front foot, it wasn't long before after a few neat passes in the middle of the park led to an opening for Steve Bruce to bundle the ball over line 2-1. The best was yet to come barely five minutes into the restart, the ball fell nicely for super sub to volley it into the top corner from 25yds great goal which was met with an applause from team mates 3-1. SVR were now on the ropes and Harriers pressed on with Steve once again charging through from mid-field with no option but to shoot, let fly with a scorcher which SVR keeper could only get finger tips on 4-1. SVR went on a break and were caught on the counter attack with few neat passes Steve again bared down on the goal one one and neatly slotted in for his second hat-trick of the season 5-1.
This was a great game for the Harriers well deserved win Luke played solid in goal with exceptional help from his defence. The mid-field worked tirelessly which contrbuted to the win and althuogh the strike force didn't score they played the part in which was a great performance. Also a special mention to Lee Frost who came on for Mike Wilton in the second half played some good football which showed promise from the youngster.
Keep it up Harriers we can avoid relagation come on!
