A controversial goal from Richard Langford four minutes into stoppage time
gave Harriers victory and set up a cup final against Worcester City.
Harriers had the best of a dour first half, and created a string of chances
without really troubling Barry McCLean in the visitors' goal. They were
handed a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring after 29 minutes when Michael
Xiourouppa was brought down in the penalty area by Adam Simpson. Despite
Xiourouppa scring two penalties on his debut last week, Richard Bailey stepped
forward to take the kick and although he struck it well McLean dived to his
left and saved it.
The opening goal came shortly after the interval, a deep left-wing cross by
Phil Garner found Richard Langford at the far post and he looped a header
over the keeper for his tenth goal of the season. The lead lasted only
seven minutes until Harriers didn't clear a free-kick, Inderpaul Khela's attempted
headed clearance took the ball out of John Danby's reach and Michael Cole
hooked the ball in from close range.
Harriers almost regained the lead midway through the half when Terence Carpenter
got into the Malvern penalty area but McClean saved well low to his left. The
game dragged on and appeared to be heading towards extra-time, Danby saved well
at close range from Gibb to deny the visitors and then at the death Scott Lower
crossed from the right towards Langford who went up to challenge with the
keeper who dropped the ball allowing him to stab it into the empty net. The
Malvern management were outraged that the referee allowed the goal to stand
feeling that Langford had fouled McClean but the official would not be swayed.
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