Rushden completed their third victory over Harriers of the season, but were grateful for an error by Harriers
keeper Stuart Brock that allowed Paul Hall to wrap up the game against the run of play.
Harriers began the game looking like a team short of match practice, their last game came on December 29, and
they were given an early fright when the annoying Onandi Lowe climbed highest at the far post but saw his
header bounce off the top of the crossbar.
After fourteen minutes Rushden took the lead. The ball was played hopefully over the Harriers defence
who stood still on the halfway line waiting for a linesman's flag that never came and allowed Lowe a clear
run on goal before knocking the ball square to Hall who slotted it home at the far post.
Harriers never really got into their stride in the first half but as the period wore on managed to create
a couple of chances, Dean Bennett saw his effort blocked on the line and in the last minute of the half JJ
Melligan created an opening for Bo Henriksen but the Dane dragged his shot wide.
After the break Kidderminster stepped up the pressure and began to take control of the game. Six
minutes into the half Harriers should have been level, Andy Bishop did well to cross from the right for
Henriksen who saw his snap shot kept out by the lightning reflexes of Billy Turley. Turley was again
on form to save well from Henriksen again and Melligan but Harriers continued to attack and it seemed only
a matter of time before the equaliser came.
The next goal, however, came against the run of play and went to the visitors after 68 minutes. Craig
Hinton fouled Lowe to give away a free kick 25 yards from goal, Lowe himself took the kick which beat the
wall but was straight at Brock who managed to spill the ball into the path of Hall who had an easy task of
finding the back of the net.
The goal took the steam out of Harriers' attack for a while, Sam Shilton created a chance for Melligan but
he headed wide with the goal at his mercy and from then on Rushden were able to see out the rest of the game
comfortably and held on for a somewhat fortunate victory.
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