STORM STALLS THE FUN FOR PENN RETURN
STORM Dennis was the winner as strong winds and rain battered Tyneside on Russ Penn’s return to the northeast.
Former Gateshead midfielder Penn was appointed Kidderminster manager until the end of the season and this made it four points from his first two games.
Both sets of players deserve credit for battling against the conditions – and either could have won it.
The Heed could, and should, have nicked it at the death when JJ O’Donnell posted a contender for miss of the season.
That would have been harsh on a rejuvenated Kidderminster, who threatened in the second half without finding the net.
Both sides’ on loan goalkeepers excelled; Boro’s Brad James for the Heed and Hull City shot-stopper Will Mannion for Harriers.
A share of the spoils saw both sides extend their unbeaten runs, Gateshead to nine and Harriers to four.
It was a sixth clean sheet in seven games for the Heed, player-boss Mike Williamson happy with a point.
“I was pleased the game was able to finish as it was getting a bit dangerous in the second half,” he said. “The conditions were very difficult and if you’re not going to win you make sure you don’t lose.
“It was two very good teams, who like to play football and had similar formations. We dealt with the elements well, as did Kidderminster, and we had a few opportunities to break the deadlock. Overall I’m delighted. We’re on a good run and we’ve got to keep going.”
The opening half-hour was entertaining for a four-figure crowd.
A good move from the Tynesiders saw Greg Olley fire wide at the back post from Barrow’s cross.
Olley then had a fine effort with the outside of his boot clawed away by Mannion.
A great break saw Mannion excel again, saving from Jordan Preston and Ruairi Keating.
Sam Austin forced a good save from James at the other end and then Cliff Moyo fired over.
Kidderminster bossed the second half but were mainly restricted to shots from distance – Moyo spurned the best chance firing over after he was set up by sub Ed Williams.
Ashley Hemmings was then denied by a diving James as Harriers probed.
The Heed then finished strongly, Nicky Deverdics’ volley blocked from Jordan Preston’s cross.
O’Donnell, playing for the first time in 2020, then missed a 90th minute sitter from a yard from Deverdics’ low cross.
“It was an heroic effort in very difficult conditions and I was truly proud of them,” said Harriers boss Penn. “Cliff Moyo could have had a hat-trick and the game plan worked perfectly on a pitch that was in great nick. When the storm came it was impossible to play football against a well organised Gateshead, who are having a great season.”