Early strike seals Kiddy victory

A sixth minute goal from Jamille Matt handed Kidderminster three points in their local derby at Edgar Street. The in form striker ensured that Harriers secured a seventh straight league victory whilst Hereford have now lost three games in all competitions. 2,902 were in attendance on a soggy Boxing Day, with 755 making the short journey from Worcestershire.

Marley Watkins returned to the starting line up after a long stint out with injury, whilst Kyle Perry and Brian Smikle were the preferred partnership up front. The visitors included Josh Gowling in their first eleven; former Bull Steve Guinan failed to make the squad.

The Bulls were the first to threaten; Will Evans fired a trademark 25 yard shot over the crossbar. Minutes later though and the visitors were in front. A corner from the left wasn't properly dealt with and Kyle Storer returned the ball into the danger area; after it had riocheted around, Matt eventually prodded goalwards and the ball trickled over the line.

Kyle Perry Trying To Get To The Ball

Martin Foyle's men reacted well, with some good build up inside the Harriers' half eventually leading to Watkins being slid clear down the right and the former Cheltenham trainee sent a deep cross to the back-post where Clucas controlled a volley just past the post. 

Brian Smikle Waiting For The Ball From Perry

Perry's quick-thinking on the touchline allowed him to play a one-two with Smikle but his strike went harmlessly wide. Harriers used a similar tactic as a clever throw in created space for Anthony Malbon to drive into and his dipping shot cleared James Bittner's crossbar.

Just Before Half Time James Bittner Received Attention From Dr Frith To A Head Wound

After the half-time dressdown, United returned to the pitch with more attacking intent. Smikle slid a pass to the lively Watkins and he struck early from 20 yards, clipping the outside of the post with his drive. At the other end, Townsend got too tight to Malbon and the attacker skipped past him and then went away from Harry Pell and his dangerous cross was palmed away by Bittner, before being cleared to safety. Hereford looked nervous in the sticky conditions and were nearly made to pay for indecisive defending; a cross from the left wasn't cleared, causing panic in the Bulls' back-line with Joe Heath giving the ball away creating the opportunity for James Vincent to fire over from inside the area.

With the game settling into a scrappy encounter, both sides made a host of changes. Josh O'Keefe and Andy Gallinagh came on for Perry and Townsend, but Gallinagh's afternoon didn't last long after being on the end of a poor tackle from Mickey Demetriou, leaving Gallinagh needing eight stitches in a wound to his ankle. 

Andy Gallinagh Brought Down By Dunkley

Phil Marsh replaced the former Cheltenham defender. Kidderminster also made changes, with Nathan Blissett and Ryan Rowe introduced in place of goalscorer Matt and Malbon. In the closing stages, the Bulls countered after Harriers had pushed forward with Clucas breaking from deep in the Hereford half. He fed a well-timed run by Marsh, who got up to 18 yard box, passing low to Smikle. The former Harriers man tried to set up Pell but the ball broke back to him where he fired goalwards but his effort was well blocked. In added time, Sean Clancey replaced Ricky Shakes.

Marley Watkins About To Pass To Will Evans

It was a fairly poor game, with Harriers shading the encounter with the early strike from Matt. United, for all their hard-work and and endeavour, lacked hugely in the final third with Perry and Smikle failing to threaten. The absence of Ryan Bowman and Marlon Jackson has been a telling factor in the lack of goals. The conditions didn't help as the pitch cut up badly in the pouring rain, putting some doubt whether the home game with Newport County on Saturday will go ahead.

Hereford: Bittner, Townsend, Graham, Stam, Heath, Watkins, Pell, Evans, Clucas, Smikle, Perry.

Subs: Gallinagh, O'Keefe, McQuilkin, Hackney, Marsh.

Kidderminster: Lewis, Vaughan, Dunkly, Gowling, Demetriou, Storer, Vincent, Briggs, Shakes, Malbon, Matt.

Subs: Vaughan, Williams, Clancy, Rowe, Blissett.

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