Match Report: Kidderminster 4-0 South Shields

South Shields fell to a comprehensive defeat on the road as Kidderminster Harriers ran riot in a blistering ten-minute first-half spell, netting three and condemning Shields to their first defeat of November with a 4-0 win.

Knowing a win could take them 2nd and within a point off the summit, the home side started on the front foot and pressed the back three of Shields as they struggled to break through the Kidderminster press. They got through the initial onslaught, though, and denied the Harriers any attempts on goal until the half-hour mark where Joe Faulkes’ searching ball from defence caught the Mariners out as Robert Briggs’ header back towards Myles Boney in the Shields goal was too fierce for the keeper to handle as the ball was spilt in the path of experienced striker, Amari Morgan-Smith, who stroked the ball into the vacant net.

Whilst on the balance of play the goal had been coming, the away side had defended resolutely up until then. They then faced a real mountain to climb as just eight minutes later the deficit was doubled as the impressive Faulkes managed to stay onside before teeing up the equally lively Ashley Hemmings to deliver an in-swinging cross that was deftly glanced in off the head of Tope Obadeyi. Kidderminster were then out of sight ninety seconds later after a swift break led to Boney saving well from a Hemmings effort, however it was kept alive by Obadeyi whose cross was collected and calmly converted by Faulkes at the second time of asking as Kidderminster moved three goals clear inside forty minutes.

After two consecutive victories, Shields were shell-shocked as an opportunity to close the gap on the play-offs to two points flashed before them in a blistering ten-minute spell in which their opponents flexed their muscles and proved why they are among the favourites to be in the top three in May. Elliott Dickman made use of his substitutes at the break, introducing Carlisle United loanee, Anton Dudik and defender, Jamie Bramwell as Shields looked to claw their way back into the game.

After an initial spell of possession, though, normal service resumed at the Aggborough Stadium, with ex-Birmingham City midfielder, David Davis and Zak Brown dictating the play in central midfield with Reece Devine providing relentless pace and energy on the flank. A moment of true quality made it four just after the hour mark when Morgan-Smith peeled into space on halfway and brought the ball down superbly from a significant height. In a swift turn, he slotted the ball through to Hemmings, who beat Bramwell to the pass and confidently curled in a deserved goal for the impressive winger as the Harriers sealed the three points.

The final thirty minutes saw Phil Brown’s side press on for a fifth goal as an excellent Mackenzie Heaney header off the goal-line prevented further damage before Devine came close twice with two thunderous strikes from the left of the box: one marginally evading the right upright, the second rattling the crossbar. Boney also played his part in keeping the score at 4-0 with a brilliant double save fifteen minutes from time to deny enterprising substitute, Seb Thompson and then Obadeyi on the rebound from close range.

The Mariners failed to register a chance of note throughout against a well-drilled side and had to wait until the first minute of added time, when captain Briggs fired over, for their first shot of the encounter.

It was an evening to forget for South Shields as their promising league run comes to an end. They make the short trip to Spennymoor this weekend for a cup game in the FA Trophy before returning to league action in a home double header to finish the month. Firstly, it is the re-arranged visit of Farsley Celtic before Peterborough Sports come to the 1st Cloud Arena. Despite tonight’s blip, there is still plenty to be positive about for Shields fans as they hope to welcome back promising youngster, Lucas De Bolle, at the weekend and still remain within five points of the top seven as they enter the winter period of the season.

Kidderminster Harriers: Dibble, Richards, Devine, McNally, Morgan-Smith (Beresford, 65), Hemmings (Thompson, 62) Foulkes (Foran, 72), Brown, Obadeyi (Hall, 79), Davis, Kandola

Unused Subs: Palmer

Goals: Morgan-Smith (30’), Obadeyi (38’), Foulkes (40’), Hemmings (61’)

South Shields: Boney, Morse, Heaney, Briggs, Blackett (Hodgson, 77), Jenkins (McGowan, 77), Crossley (Dudik,45), Mee, Taylor (Bramwell, 45), Richards, Broadbent

Unused Subs: Seymour

Attendance: 1920