Kidderminster Harriers Youth 0(0) v (1)2 Hednesford Town

Harriers' title hopes took a major setback with defeat at home to Hednesford who kept alive their chances of sneaking into second place.

Victory would have taken Harriers to within a point of leaders Sutton Coldfield but instead they find themselves four points adrift with just two games left to play.  Harriers were far from their best and Hednesford more than matched them for long spells of the game taking the lead after 17 minutes when Luke Farmer forced the ball home at the near post from a right-wing free-kick.

In the first half Harriers created the best of the chances in the first half and should have been level soon after going behind; Tom Byrne's shot was saved and Levi Chambers' follow-up was deflected over the bar for a corner.  Defensive uncertainty in the Harriers back line almost cost them shortly before the break; Joe Corbett waited in vain for an offside flag leaving Farmer to run through on goal, Ashley Walker got back to make the tackle and Tom Harper made a good double save to keep the visitors out.

After the break Harriers battled to get back into the game but didn't come close until midway through the half; Byrne and Karl Hooper combined on the right to cross for Mitch Butler to head over at the far post.  At the other end Sam Maddox headed against the post as Harriers were almost caught out.

Nathan Walker went close, capitalising on the stiff breeze, with a dipping shot from over 25-yards out that was only a fraction too high.  Harriers were in danger of being caught on the break and a deep cross from the left by Matt Dudley found Reece Styche who headed into the side netting at the near post.  The result was put beyond a doubt seven minutes from the end; a free-kick from midfield was pumped into the penalty area and knocked down by David Brown for substitute Greg Dickson who lashed a wicked volley into the far corner.