JACK’S OUT OF HIS BOX AT KIDDY
But Grealish can’t see off National North boys KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 1 ASTON VILLA 1
A SPIRITED young Kidderminster outfit held an Aston Villa side featuring wanted man Jack Grealish in a lively contest at Aggborough Stadium.
The Championship team’s much-touted financial woes have seen the talented Villa Park maestro linked with a string of moves to Premier League Clubs – but the 22-year-old more than showed up for his day’s work in Worcestershire.
He played a key role in pulling Villa level on 11 minutes after they’d fallen behind to Neil MacFarlane’s charges, who put in a disciplined display as they warm up for another assault on National League North.
Kiddy fielded new signings Ashley Chambers, Ryan Johnson and Billy Daniels up against a Villa contingent including Grealish, Alan Hutton and Albert Adomah.
Bright from the off, Harriers took the lead from a well-worked free-kick – Jimmy O’Connor staying alert to thread the ball back to Fraser Horsfall, who stabbed home past Mark Bunn.
It took Villa just three minutes to restore parity when Grealish’s marauding run saw him find Harvey Knibbs in space to finish at the far post, the Tottenham target then going for goal himself as he aimed a curling effort at Brandon Hall’s goa which flew just wide.
Hall then held firm from a Easah Sulliman header, before Grealish again went close with a low effort.
Hutton and Neil Taylor then tried their luck, with the latter denied by a great block from Jimmy O’Connor in the home defence.
Gary Gardner struck the post with a 34th-minute header, while Chambers went close for Harriers seconds later with a well-struck overhead kick that flew just over the target.
Harriers made wholesale changes during the second half with Villa gradually doing the same and the amount of goalmouth opportunities was reduced somewhat, but MacFarlane was left delighted with the defensive solidity of his team – which boasted Academy prospects Kian Kang and Harry Higginson in front of teenage stopper Tom Palmer.
Villa did have the best of the late chances – Grealish firing over with a free-kick before Knibbs was denied by a defensive block, the hosts working hard to deny their guests while also finding room to foray forward in the form of another summer acquisition Ed Williams, whose quick feet three minutes from time saw him try to chip the ball over Bunn, only to miss the target.
Harriers host League One opposition in Burton Albion this coming Tuesday night. STAR MAN: Ed Williams (Kidderminster) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★