Harriers disappointingly slipped out of the Worcestershire Youth Cup at the hands of a Malvern
side that they had beaten comfortably less than a fortnight earlier.
The home team was the first to threaten a goal, good play by Michael Xiourouppa created an opening
for Adam Blake but his 20 yard shot just skimmed the crossbar. Set pieces were to prove crucial
all through the game, Malvern took the lead after 21 minutes when a free kick from the right fell to
Michael Cole in the penalty area who had been allowed to run through unchallenged to sweep the ball
past Daniel O'Gorman.
Less than five minutes later Harriers were faced with an uphill task when the visitors douvled their
advantage. Alec Smith struck a low free kick past the wall from over 20 yards out and into the
bottom corner of the net leaving O'Gorman rooted to the spot. Harriers were having plenty of
possession but were lacking a cutting edge and were also thwarted time after time by Malvern's offside
trap, ten times in the first half alone the linesman's flag went up to end Harriers attacks. Blake
had another good chance to get Harriers into the game eight mnutes before the break, Matt White crossed
from the right and found Blake unmarked beyond the far post but he headed tamely wide.
After the break Harriers enjoyed even greater periods of possession but still never threatened Steve Thomas
in the Malvern goal. The most likely source of a goal looked to be Chris McHale when he came forward
for corners, once he drew a save from Thomas. Harriers were then reduced to trying long range shots
which posed no danger, Nick Heath and Richard Langford both shooting high and wide. Eventually a
goal came, albeit too late to start a comeback, two minutes into stoppage time Xiourouppa got his head to
Nick Heath's free kick from the left and directed the ball beyond Thomas. However, straight from the
restart Oliver Endacott was allowed to run right through Harriers defence and plant his shot under the
advancing O'Gorman to wrap up the tie for the visitors.
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