HARRIERS HIT BACK IN STYLE
REJUVENATED Kidderminster Harriers made it four wins from four under Phil Brown’s reign after dramatically fighting back from two goals down to sink Oxford City in this relegation six-pointer.
Two goals from Josh Parker put the Hoops in control at the break but Harriers stormed back with goals from Amari Morgan-Smith, Jack Lambert and Gold Omotayo – the second home game running they had turned around a 2-0 deficit.
This time, however, Harriers battled back without Brown in the dugout after he was sent off by referee Gary Parsons in the first half for comments made from the touchline.
His assistant Neil McDonald said: “For the first time this season, we were expected to win the game with Oxford City being below us, so that was a bit of pressure we haven’t had.
“We had a shot across the bows in the first half, but we responded well, and we showed what we can actually do. We got our just rewards and four out of four is an unbelievable return from the players.”
City took the lead following an excellent move in the 17th minute. Josh Ashby laid the ball out wide to Aaron Williams-Bushell who provided the perfect cross for Parker to nod home.
And the visitors made their first-half pressure count two minutes before the break when Reece Fleet was adjudged to have been upended by Alex Penny in the box and Parker made no mistake from the spot.
Harriers found a way back into the game shortly before the hour mark. A clever ball through by Lambert found Morgan-Smith in the area and the striker crashed the ball in off the underside of the bar.
Kiddy were now in the ascendancy and after Ashley Hemmings and substitute Omotayo both went close, Morgan-Smith saw his shot beaten away by keeper Marcin Brzozowski and Lambert slotted the loose ball home from close range.
As the atmosphere at Aggborough cranked up another notch, Kiddy grabbed what proved to be the winner with 12 minutes remaining. Caleb Richards’ deep cross found Omotayo at the back post and he rose above his marker and nodded past a helpless Brzozowski.
City boss Ross Jenkins said: “First half we were dominant, aggressive and warranted the two-goal lead. Then the crowd got behind them and we started crumbling.
“They didn’t beat us with any real magic, but they put the ball in the box and we were too deep. It is as simple as that.”
STAR MAN: Jack Lambert (Kidd’mstr) ATT: 3,298 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: Gary Parsons