Kidderminster Harriers 0(0) v (0)0 West Bromwich Albion

Harriers and West Brom played out a goalless draw in scorching sunshine which had an increasingly adverse effect on the game.

Mark Yates once again made full use of his squad making eleven second half substitutions including Albion legend Bob Taylor who made a late appearance in front of the fans who once worshipped him.

The visitors were first to show and after just six minutes could have taken the lead when a cross from the right was not cut out and Michael Nardiello's shot was pushed away by Scott Bevan with Gavin Hurren following up to clear.  Hurren was involved at the other end with a right-wing run and cross that picked out Andy White at the far post but his spectacular attempted scissors kick went wide.

Former Albion winger Brian Smikle was lively in the Harriers attack and almost broke the deadlock with a shot from just outside the penalty area that came back off the foot of the post.  West Brom's Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto almost caught Bevan out after half an hour after Harriers had failed to clear a corner with a low shot through a crowded penalty area that the keeper saw late before diving full length to keep it out.  Bevan was also alert to keep out Rob Davies' quickly taken free-kick.

Smikle had another shot saved well by Luke Daniels in the Albion goal after he had been picked out by a pinpoint crossfield pass by Michael Blackwood.  White then had the ball in the net after being set up by Hurren and McGrath but the goal was disallowed as the referee spotted an infringement in the build up.

Harriers made several substitutions at the interval but is was one of the starters who again went close two minutes after the restart White latching onto a ball through the inside right channel and lofting it over the onrushing Daniels but his shot was inaccurate and went wide.  The heat was taking its toll and the game lost pace and quality with both sides content to keep possession without really testing the keepers.

Stuart Sinclair combined with Russell midway through the half to create an opening for Dean Sturridge but his close range effort was blocked by Daniels.  The best chances in the remainder of the game fell to the visitors but they were restricted to long range shots; Rob Elvins forced Steve Taylor into action first and then late on Inamoto fired high and wide from 30 yards out.