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Archived News from August 2010

SUB MEDLEY INSPIRES STAGS TO MAGNIFICENT COMEBACK
26th August 2010 21:25


Kidderminster Harriers 1 - 3 Mansfield Town
Shaw pen 7. Medley 53, Connor 55, Duffy 89.
Att: 1487 (295 from Mansfield)

Martin Shaw at Aggborough Stadium

Mansfield Town came back from 1-0 down at half-time to win 3-1 at Kidderminster this afternoon thanks to inspired displays from substitute Luke Medley, the outstanding Paul Connor, and a terrific display from Louis Briscoe who continued his fine run of form. The Stags were very unlucky to be behind at the interval after the home side were given a ridiculous penalty on 7 minutes, converted by former Stag Tom Shaw. Indeed the Stags dominated much of the first half, but came roaring back in the second half as substitute Luke Medley belted home from close range after a precise nod down from Briscoe from Adam Smith's cross on 53 minutes. Then 2 minutes later Paul Connor rounded the home keeper to score. Medley missed chances for a hat-trick, before he superbly set up another substitute, Rob Duffy, who scored from close range, to send the Stags fans delirious behind the goal. A terrific performance from the Stags, who blew Kidderminster away with some devastating attacking.

Stagsnet report in the Match Centre.

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Kidderminster 1 Stags 3 - Saturday, 21st August 2010
CHAD.co.uk, 21 August 2010, By John Lomas

LUKE Medley was the catalyst for a splendid second half comeback as Mansfield Town wiped out an interval deficit to win 3-1 in a thriller at Kidderminster Harriers.

http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Kidderminster-1-Stags-3-.6487587.jp

Medley, on for Keigan Parker as an interval substitute, levelled the game with a precise volley on 54 minutes and, after Paul Connor had pounced to make it 2-1 three minutes later, Medley crossed for sub Rob Duffy to tie it up in the final minute.

All this came after Kidderminster had led from the eighth minute with a highly contentious penalty given by the linesman and converted by former Stags man Tom Shaw.

Mansfield turned in a decent first 45 minutes but had no luck at all.
But they turned the game round after the break and ran out thoroughly deserving winners with Medley the star turn among several fine displays.

Duffy took his first step towards a return to action with a place on the Mansfield Town bench.

The striker had a summer appendix operation and, although still short on full fitness, made the bench at the expense of Stevie Istead.

Otherwise Mansfield were unchanged to face a Harriers side that, like themselves, had won their opener before losing to newly-promoted opposition in midweek.

Gittings produced the game's first menacing run, going at Stags down the centre and passing three opponents before going down theatrically just outside the box, the referee not conned and playing on.

Connor's knock-back at the other end gave Parker a brief chance but he tried to bend the ball beyond the keeper with the outside of his foot, got it all wrong and it almost went for a throw.

But on eight minutes Harriers edged in front from a contentious penalty. McPhee drew a challenge from Chris Smith in the box and as soon as there was contact went down.

The referee didn't even give it initially but the linesman flagged and the kick was awarded, former Stags player Shaw sending Marriott the wrong way with a well-taken penalty low just inside Marriott's right hand post.

Six minutes later Adam Smith was narrowly wide of the far post with a low first time shot from the edge of the area from Connor's pass.

Then Connor's head-on sent Parker down the left. His cross found Briscoe but he only had an instant to get in a first time shot and bundled the ball into the ground towards Lewis for an easy save.

With Kidderminster appealing for a handball against Foster at the other end, Foster launched the ball long and Lewis had to leave his box to head way before Parker capitalised.

Thompson warmed Lewis' hands from 15 yards as the visitors continued to hunt for an equaliser.

Lewis also punched the ball from above the head of the leaping Connor in front of goal after Chris Smith had headed the ball back across goal from the by-line.

Two corners followed for Mansfield, then a long free kick picked out an unmarked O'Connor at the far post who seemed caught in two minds as he cushioned a header across goal and wide of the far post.

He came much closer on 28 minutes as Briscoe's cross picked him out in front of goal but Connor headed straight at Lewis who fended it away for a corner.

Another on-target Connor header bounced tamely towards Lewis from a long Mills free kick.

Harriers were under the cosh though did have a counter-attack which ended with Wright driving well over.

Kidderminster survived a 33rd minute scramble when Connor couldn't force his dipping header over the keeper, Mills was unable to force the loose ball in from close range and Adam Smith finally shot wide.

On 38 minutes Harriers again went straight down the centre with a great run from Byrne whose final shot was saved at full stretch by Marriott to his right.

Harriers' second corner saw Foster block a Shaw shot with Stags fans behind the goal chanting the name of Kyle Nix, who again failed to make the bench.

Thompson conceded a free kick just outside the box on 41 minutes, receiving a booking for his troubles, though he was adamant he had won the ball fairly.

Briggs took the kick but couldn't get it over the wall as it deflected for a corner.

In the final minute of the half Connor chested the ball off to Adam Smith who cut back inside and tried to find the near top corner, firing Lewis into his best save of the half.

Mills' corner found an unmarked Chris Smith who headed straight at the keeper as Stags went in wondering how they were behind.

Both sides made interval changes with Medley, sporting pink and purple boots, on up front for Parker for Mansfield and Marc Williams replacing Gittings for the Harriers.

Medley broke superbly from a home corner and showed strength and pace in getting into the other box before squaring to Louis Briscoe who was about to tap in before his namesake Michael Briscoe slid in with a good challenge to thwart him.

Marriott clutched Kidderminster's second corner of the half.

And Stags were finally level through the brightly coloured boot of Medley on 54 minutes.

Adam Smith crossed long from the left, Briscoe nodded it back across and Medley met it with a rasping net-bursting volley that gave the keeper no chance and sent the 295 Stags fans behind that goal into raptures.

Marc Williams sent a header over on the run at the other end.

But Stags' comeback was complete within two minutes of their equaliser as Connor put them coolly in front.

Stags had not enjoyed much luck but when a home pass took a deflection and the ball ran loose Connor powered onto it and sidestepped the goalkeeper before rolling it into the empty net.

Briscoe and Medley caused more problems on the counter as Briscoe raced into the box and tried to tempt Medley into another volley. But the ball was slightly over-hit, forcing Medley to control and then turn back inside the blaze a rising shot over the top.

Medley left Albrighton in his wake on the left on 65 minutes before being pulled back, earning the Harriers man a caution. Mills then whipped his free kick right across the face of goal with no one able to get a touch.

Sub Medley went on another thrilling run down the right in which he cut inside and shot low into the sidenetting.

Then Marc Williams headed just wide from a Briggs free kick as chances continued to flow in an excellent spectacle.

On 74 minutes both sides made a second change with Duffy on for Connor and Blair on for McPhee.

On 79 minutes Marc Williams crashed a great effort just over the angle from Blair's cross from the left.

But Medley should have made it safe on 81 minutes as Briscoe sent him clean through down the centre only to see the big striker fire over a relieved Lewis' crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

On 84 minutes Harriers almost levelled as Wright got past Stonehouse on the by-line and pulled the ball back from Marc Williams who sidefooted wide from close range.

Sandwith went on for the last six minutes in place of Adam Smith as Mansfield tried to shore things up.

But it as fellow sub Duffy who finally sewed up the victory. Thompson sent Medley down then left and his cross was turned home by a delighted Duffy from close range.

KIDDERMINSTER: Lewis; Shaw, Albrighton, Briscoe, Mike Williams; Hankin, Byrne, Briggs, Gittings (Marc Williams ht); McPhee (Blair 74|), Wright. Subs: Stevens, Sharpe, Griffiths.

STAGS: Marriott; Silk, Foster, C. Smith, Stonehouse; Briscoe, Mills, Thompson, A. Smith (Sandwith 84); Parker (Medley ht), Connor (Duffy 74). Subs: Collett, Naylor.

REFEREE: M. A. Heywood of West Yorkshire.

ATTENDANCE: 1,487 (295 away).

CHAD STAGS MAN OF THE MATCH: Luke Medley.

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Two out of three ain't bad for Stags as they beat Kidderminster
Evening Post

POP music fans were not the only ones to enjoy a slice of 'Westlife' over the weekend – so did Mansfield Town.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/ain-t-bad-Stags-beat-Kidderminster/article-2556180-detail/article.html?

On Saturday night, the popular Irish boy band strutted their stuff at the club's Field Mill ground to thrill the 10,000-strong crowd.

Hours earlier, the Stags had already enjoyed their own party at Kidderminster, with a top-notch performance making life in the West Midlands taste oh-so sweet.

It was with a degree of trepidation that the visiting supporters arrived at Aggborough, understandably so given the circumstances.

Mansfield's last two visits to Harriers had brought nothing but misery. A 2-0 defeat saw Billy McEwan sacked in their first Blue Square Bet Premier season and a 3-1 setback last year was ranked by manager David Holdsworth as their worst performance of the entire campaign.

Not only that, but the Stags were coming off the back of a 3-0 midweek reverse at Fleetwood, where the defence had gifted the Cod Army two of their three goals.

For a while it seemed that Mansfield were to fare no better this time around as they went behind to a controversially-awarded penalty and then failed to convert several chances to get themselves back on level terms.

But, eventually, it was third time lucky for Mansfield in Worcestershire – although fortune had nothing to do with it in a thoroughly deserved success.

Against Fleetwood, there had been chutes of promise from Mansfield in attack that were killed off by some glaring defensive errors.

However, against Kidderminster, with the back four considerably tighter, it allowed the unchanged Stags to really flower going forward.

The hosts did have their moments, but keeper Alan Marriott was only called into serious action once after the game's opening goal, as central defenders Steve Foster and Chris Smith stepped up their games.

At the other end, Harriers were always struggling to live with Paul Connor, who won almost everything in the air, and the pace offered by Louis Briscoe, Adam Smith and inspired second half substitute Luke Medley.

Yet while the Mansfield fans were bouncing in the stands come full time, their spirits were dampened in the eighth minute as they fell behind.

Chris Smith did make slight contact with Chris McPhee in the box as both stretched for the ball, but the Harriers forward appeared to go down very easily.

The referee seemed to agree and waved play on, but then he took advice from his assistant and pointed to the spot. Former Stag Tom Shaw stepped up to do the honours as Marriott guessed the other way.

That only seemed to make Mansfield more determined as they hit back with strong spells in possession, producing a clutch of openings.

Connor headed straight at Danny Lewis when he should have scored from a pinpoint right-wing Louis Briscoe cross.

The former Lincoln man was then denied by the Kiddie keeper again soon after, while Gary Mills had his follow-up cleared off the line.

On the stroke of half-time Lewis again came to the rescue as he pushed Adam Smith's shot, bound for the top corner, around the post and was relieved from the resulting flag kick when Chris Smith headed straight into his waiting arms.

But while Mansfield would have been frustrated at that point, they were soon rewarded after the restart as Medley made a near-instant impact.

When Adam Smith crossed to the far post in the 53rd minute, Briscoe headed back across goal for Medley, who thumped home from eight yards for his first competitive goal in Stags colours.

Four minutes later, the Stags had turned the game on its head when a misplaced pass set Connor free and he coolly rounded Lewis to roll into an empty net.

The livewire Medley could have added to Mansfield's lead three times as he blasted over, had a goalbound shot well blocked and then blazed over when put clear by the influential Briscoe.

That could have come back to haunt the visitors as substitute Marc Williams – signed on loan from Wrexham – side-footed wide after being teed up by Nick Wright when he really should have scored.

But that really would have been rough justice on the Stags and they made sure of the three points in the final minute of normal time.

Tyrone Thompson put Medley away through the inside left channel and his perfect cross was slid home by the onrushing Rob Duffy – making his first appearance of the campaign after his appendix operation.

Next up for Mansfield are successive homes games against Kettering and Cambridge, matches they should approach with confidence after this encouraging win.

They say two out of three ain't bad. After a satisfactory end to an eventful first week of the new campaign, Holdsworth is not about to disagree.

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http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/mansfieldtown/Match-facts-Kidderminster-v-Mansfield-Town/article-2556177-detail/article.html?

Match facts: Kidderminster v Mansfield Town
Evening Post
Kidderminster: Lewis, Shaw, M. Briscoe, Albrighton, Mike Williams, Hankin, Briggs, Byrne, Gittings (Marc Williams 46), McPhee (Blair 75), Wright. Subs not used: Stevens, Sharpe, Griffiths.

Mansfield: Marriott, Silk, C. Smith, Foster, Stonehouse, L. Briscoe, Mills, Thompson, A. Smith (Sandwith 84), Parker (Medley 46), Connor (Duffy 74). Subs not used: Collett, Naylor.

Referee: Mark Heywood (West Yorkshire).

Attendance: 1,487 (295 visitors).

Goals: Kidderminster: Shaw (8 pen). Mansfield: Medley (53), Connor (56), Duffy (90).

Shots on target: Kidderminster 2 Mansfield 8.

Shots off target: Kidderminster 5 Mansfield 7.

Fouls: Kidderminster 13 Mansfield 10.

Corners: Kidderminster 6 Mansfield 4.

Offsides: Kidderminster 3 Mansfield 1.

Bookings: Kidderminster (Albrighton, 64, foul) Mansfield 1 (Thompson, 41, dissent).

Sendings off: Kidderminster 0 Mansfield 0.

Key moment: Mansfield's leveller from Luke Medley. Before that there was a feeling it brewing it might be one of those days in front of goal. After it, there was only ever going to be one winner.

Mansfield's man of the match: Luke Medley. It's rare for a substitute to get the nod, but that's how much he changed the game. Scored the equaliser, set up Rob Duffy's game clinching third and could have had a hat-trick in running the home defence ragged with his electric pace.

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Harriers 1 Mansfield Town 3
http://www.harriers-online.co.uk/season10-11/reports10-11/mans_h_21-8-10.shtml?

Date: 21-08-10 Venue: Aggborough att: 1487 away fans: 295

Harriers fall to a second home defeat
Report by Harry Taylor
After succumbing to a Southport side on Tuesday night the Harriers fans were hoping that their side would get back to winning ways against a Mansfield side who usually walk away with nothing from Aggborough. For forty five minutes it looked to be the case, but, after three second half goals and an utterly woeful defensive performance certainly didn't help Kidderminsters' cause.

In terms of the lineup for 'The Harriers' it was the same as Tuesday night against Southport with Chris McPhee continuing to play up front with Marc Williams, who looked lively on his debut, being kept on the bench. For Mansfield Paul Connor, who was on trial at Kidderminster in the summer, started for them.

For the first five minutes Harriers were under the cosh as Mansfield had the controlling share of the possession but were unable to create any chances and the only respite Harriers really had were a few free kicks given in their favour – although one glaring one wasn't given in the favour of Mansfield when Mike Williams pushed over Louis Briscoe as he chased him for the ball.

The referee was starting to look as though he was favouring the Harriers and that was proved somewhat with a controversial penalty of our own after a mere seven minutes in when Dave Hankin passed McPhee the ball who was then duly barged over by Steve Foster. The referee hesitated but the linesman on the main stand side overruled him and signalled for a penalty.

Up stepped Tom Shaw who was yet to miss a penalty for us after dispatching two, including the one against Burton in pre-season, and he didn't fail to hit the back of the net this time as he sent Alan Marriott the wrong way completely and struck the ball well into the bottom left hand corner to give Harriers an early lead.

It was as if Tuesday's game had never ended though as constant goal kicks were aimed to Hankin who won his fair share of headers but it got Harriers nowhere with the passing that had dominated the first half of Tuesdays game gone and, despite Wrights endless running, chances for Harriers were scarce.

Mansfield could've been level and were very unlucky not to be when a cross was angled in from Tom Shaw towards Callum Gittings who failed to collect the header. The ball was caught and distributed to Keigan Parker who ran the length of the pitch with the Harriers defence and midfield continuing to back off from him giving him ample time and space to float a cross across towards Paul Connor. Connor was at the far post and his header, unluckily for him, was straight at Lewis with the former Redditch Utd goalkeeper producing a point blank save.

In the thirtieth minute we had a shot from twenty five yards out from Nick Wright who collected the ball from Keith Briggs, turned, and ran towards goal but, with few options other than to shoot, he blazed his shot well over the bar. Such was the end-to-end nature of the game that three minutes later Mansfield nearly scored as the defence went AWOL again. Connor was a threat aerially once again when he had a header loop over Danny Lewis. He got a good hand to it, the ball dropped down, and fortunately the ball dropped just in front of Keith Briggs who had his most meaningful contribution to the game when he booted the ball away from the clutches of a Mansfield player who was just feet away.

Jack Byrne was the next to have a shot on goal for the Harriers with a nice piece of interplay between him and Tom Shaw. Byrne got the ball and, running towards the Mansfield goal, his shot was curling but was close enough to Marriott to palm away for a corner which Hankin took and was too deep and wasted. His corner taking in the last few games have been consistently poor, something which was expressed by Mark Albrighton in the 2nd half as time and time again there is too much on the crosses and it ends up bypassing all the players and goes harmlessly away as it happened at this time.

Seconds before the half time whistle Mansfield had another glorious chance to be level as they looked to teach Harriers how to take a corner and also to teach them a lesson in marking up at set pieces as Albrighton should've been marking the Mansfield player when Gary Mills swung the ball in to Foster unopposed to give him a free header that he should've got in the back of the Harriers net.

At half time the Harriers went in a goal up but were arguably far from comfortable.
HT: 1 - 0
This uncomfortable feeling with the lead carried over into the second half as Burr's team-talk had for once seemingly failed to fire them up because eight minutes after the re-start Mansfield had finally got level. Louis Briscoe ran with the ball down the Mansfield left and Shaw backed off and backed off allowing him to put a ball in with ease towards Luke Medley, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, who made no mistake in thumping the ball into the back of the net to even up the game.

Alarm bells should've been ringing in the team's ears as they could see that they couldn't continue to not close down players but clearly they didn't and neither did they ring in manager Steve Burr's head as the game was crying out for one of the centre-backs to be replaced with Tom Sharpe who, surely as a taller player, would've been better in the air and would've come into the game with fresher legs to cope with the likes of Briscoe running at the defence.

Up front matters had improved with the introduction of Marc Williams at half time in place of Gittings with McPhee slotting into centre midfield with jack Byrne going to left midfield yet three minutes later Mansfield had taken the lead with a healthy slice of fortune about the goal. A clearance up field was mistakenly blocked by Albrighton and the ball fizzed away towards the Harriers goal with Paul Connor latching onto the ball, going past Lewis, and slotting the ball under his sprawling body to spark loud celebrations from the travelling support from Mansfield.

Harriers did try and create chances but time and time again balls were attempted with little direction, they were just hoofed forward towards Marc Williams who, with his minimal height and build, could do little about it but when he did get the ball he was the best player on the park. His strike partner, Nick Wright, was putting his usual shift in and working himself into the ground to get the ball as the midfield, apart from McPhee, had gone missing.

Hankin was unwilling to take on his man and maestro Keith Briggs is todays winner of the inaugural Lord Lucan award for going missing when needed. In the second half he might as well not have been on the pitch with his only contribution being flapping of arms and playing a ball out to Hankin about ten yards behind him and then having a go at the winger when he didn't get the ball. Something Briggs didn't do himself when an equally hopeful ball was played forward to him later on.

Matters then could've got far worse for Harriers in the sixty fifth minute when, in my opinion, Mark Albrighton should've walked when he hauled Medley down and then kicked him whilst he was on the floor. I realise that a home fan shouldn't say that about their own player but I can't accept it when one of our own players kicks out at an opponent on the floor when you've seen red cards dished out in the past for players brushing past goalkeepers. For an experienced member of the squad this kind of conduct is unacceptable and shouldn't be happening.

This was made even worse when a high ball came over late in the game, towards Rob Duffy this time, and once the ball had gone Albrighton, who already had his arms all over the ex-Rushden striker, then pushed him away which could've been a second bookable offence. The referee then later gave fouls against Marc Williams when he was being pushed and had arms around him. Despite the amount I've dedicated to the refereeing in this he's not to blame for the result.

In the seventy ninth minute the Harriers nearly got an equaliser thanks to more tireless hard work by Nick Wright on the right hand side. He won the ball from the diminutive left back Paul Stonehouse and came inside with the ball, cutting it back to Marc Williams who perhaps should've got his second goal in as many games but put the ball the wrong side of the post.

Ten minutes later and it was definitely all over in terms of a comeback for the Harriers as Rob Duffy scored following Medley on the left side of the penalty area being completely unchallenged and having the time to dink the ball in towards a diving Rob Duffy who got a good connection on the ball and took it past Lewis to seal the win for The Stags.

The result wasn't a good one but the performance meant we got exactly what we deserved. Firstly the defence was, again, shown to be far from adequate and, yes, there are people who say the team is yet to gel and whilst that is true some of the errors today from Albrighton, Briscoe and Briggs were absolutely astounding for a side that beat York on the first day.

Both of the centre backs were poor against a good attacking side and the game was screaming for Sharpe to be introduced with a fresh pair of eyes and legs to anticipate the situation and have an effect. Instead Burr introduced all attacking players in Matt Blair and Marc Williams. What would he have lost by getting Sharpe on? We need a dominant 6ft 5 centre back to have a 'presence' and just win nine out of ten headers.

The midfield went missing, there was a severe lack of movement, and the penetrating passes that were seen on Tuesday night had left the side completely which didn't help our cause for goals and its frustrating because it's a talented side.

Briggs isn't a bad player, neither is Briscoe or Shaw who were less than impressive. There is a lot of potential for good attacking passing football on the 'deck' to be played and it wasn't done today. Hopefully when John Finnegan returns this will be rectified and we can again kick on and hopefully do something this season because I do believe that for all the shortcomings we have our attack of Marc Williams (if he stays past his initial spell) and Nick Wright are very promising and potent. If they get the right ammunition they could be firing in goals left right and centre.

Man of the match for me was Marc Williams. When he came on we had a creative buzz up front and he was one of few players on the park with a spark and a will to score and do well. He could be a massive player for us even in the next three months never mind if he stays after which would be even better based on what I've seen in the last two games.

Next up is Wrexham away on Tuesday night and if our defence have th same problems again as they did today then they wont know what's hit them. Andy Mangan and Andy Morrell should be more than a handful for whoever is picked out of Briscoe, Albrighton or Sharpe. However, if we start at the basics, the football on the floor and establish our midfield again then there's no reason that we shouldn't give 'The Red Dragons' something to worry about.

Keep the faith.
FT: 1 - 3

Goal for Harriers: Shaw 8 (pen)
Goals for Mansfield: Medley 54, Connor 57, Duffy 90


The Harriers Online MotM is:
Marc Williams

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Match Report by St@tto
St@tto's Kidderminster Harriers Site
Poor defending from Harriers saw them throw away the lead and slip to their second home defeat in as many games.

Unchanged from the team that was beaten by Southport in midweek Harriers got off to a great start when Chris McPhee was bundled over in the penalty area after just seven minutes by Chris Smith; Tom Shaw stepped up to take the spot-kick and sent Alan Marriott the wrong way.

http://www.kidderminsterharriers.com/harriers/stats/21082010.php

Harriers looked good in the early stages but failed to capitalise and increase their advantage. They were soon pushed back by The Stags and just before the half-hour mark the visitors could have been level; Louis Briscoe made a good run on the right wing and crossed to the far post where former Harriers trialist Paul Connor was left unmarked but his header was straight at Danny Lewis who was able to fumble it around the post for a corner.

A short time later there was confusion in the Harriers penalty area as Mansfield pressed again, Lewis clawed the ball away from the goal but was unable to hold on to it and Keith Briggs hacked it away to safety. On 38 minute sa long crossfield pass from Shaw picked out Jack Byrne who ran at the heart of the visiting defence before hitting a shot that Marriott did well to push away for a corner. In the last minute of the half Adam Smith cut in from the left-hand side and hit a shot toward the top corner that pushed around the post. From the resultant corner Gary Mills picked out a completely unmarked Briscoe who headed tamely at Lewis.

Mansfield brought on Luke Medley at the interval and his introduction changed the game, causing Harriers all sorts of problems. On 53 minutes the substitute was in the right place at the right time as Adam Smith was allowed to run at the Harriers defence before crossing to the far post where Briscoe was on hand to head down for Medley to volley in from close range.

Two minutes later Mansfield were in front when Connor latched onto a long ball through the middle, knocked it past Lewis who had charged from his goal and rolled it into the empty net. Harriers fell apart now and looked likely to concede every time Mansfield attacked. At the other end Harriers attacks were few and didn't really test Marriott in the Mansfield goal. A cross from the left by Byrne flew across the face of goal just out of the reach of McPhee and Nick Wright.

Midway through the half the lively Medley saw a shot cleared off the goal line by Mike Williams and shortly afterwards was allowed a free run at goal with the Harriers defence backing off but fired his shot narrowly wide into the side neaten. Inside the last ten minutes he broke clear of the Harriers defence but couldn't control his shot and blasted it high over the bar.

Marc Williams looked the most likely to bring Harriers back into the game on a number of occasions: a shot on the turn from Matty Blair's pass went inches past the post and he Wright got to the byline on the right and pulled the ball back to him he again fired wide.

In the last minute town completed the scoring when Medley got away on the left again and crossed low to the far post to set up a simple finish for Rob Duffy.

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Harriers gored by rampant Stags
Saturday 21st August 2010

http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/sport/harriers/news/8346098.Harriers_gored_by_rampant_Stags/?

Harriers 1
Mansfield 3

STRIKER Paul Connor came back to haunt Harriers as they were shot down by Mansfield's second half fight back.

The former Lincoln hitman, had been on trial at Aggborough in the summer before deciding to take up an offer at the Stags, capped a fine display when with the away team's second goal.

Harriers had been leading through Tom Shaw's early penalty but the inclusion of Mansfield substitute Luke Medley turned the game in their favour.

They had scored early goals in their first two league matches and they continued that trend when they opened the scoring in the eighth minute.

Striker Chris McPhee was brought down by Chris Smith's late challenge in the box, and despite the referee missing the incident, the linesman raised his flag for a penalty.

Shaw scored his second goal of the season when he sent the keeper Alan Marriott the wrong way and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Mansfield Adam Smith almost levelled the scores moments later, but dragged an effort from the edge of the box just wide.

Harriers continued to be the more proactive but looked vulnerable on the break.

Keeper Danny Lewis was almost caught out in the 26th minute. Louis Briscoe delivered a cross from the left and Connor's far post header cannoned off the shot-stopper's chest before he desperately grasped it.

Speedy Harriers hitman Nick Wright tried his luck from 30-yards but his effort flew high over the bar.

At the back, the home side were troubled by Connor's aerial prescence. His header forced Lewis to parry the ball and Gary Mills' header hit the bar.

Midfielder Jack Byrne then tested Stags keeper Marriott's reflexes with a fine rising shot from the edge of the box.

Lewis then kept Harriers' lead intact with a fine save on the stroke of half-time. Winger Adam Smith cut inside from the left, leaving Shaw in his wake, and curled in an effort that the keeper flung himself to his right to put it behind.

Both sides made changes at half-time. On-loan Wrexham striker Marc Williams replaced Callum Gittings for the home side, while Medley came on for Keigan Parker.

But two goals in three minutes saw the home side trailing. Medley volleyed home from 10-yards out in the 54th minute, after Louis Briscoe had headed Smith's cross into his path.

Three minutes later the home side were caught napping when the ball ricocheted off a defender and allowed the alert Connor to round sprawling keeper Lewis.

Scenting victory, Mansfield piled the pressure on the home side, with dangerman Medley running with pace at Albrighton, before cutting in from the right and dragging a low shot wide.

Marc Williams though looked the most likely to bag a Harriers leveller and he came close twice.

The hitman did well to control Matty Blair's cross but shot over the bar.

Harrier then created a fine opening when Keith Briggs played Wright down the left. The striker delivered a low cross which Williams narrowly fired wide.

But the home side's hopes of levelling the scores were dashed when substitute Rob Duffy scored in the 89th minute.

Briggs gave the ball away and dangerman Medley's low cross was converted at the far post by the sliding Duffy.

Harriers: Lewis; Hankin; Gittings (Marc Williams, 46); Briggs; McPhee (Blair, 74); Byrne; Albrighton; Wright; Shaw; Mike Williams; Briscoe.

Unused substitutes: Stevens; Sharpe; Griffiths.

Mansfield: Marriott; Silk; Mills; Foster; Stonehouse; Briscoe; Mills; Thompson; Smith; Parker (Medley, 46); Connor (Duffy, 74).

Unused substitutes: Collett; Medley; Naylor; Sandwith.

Referee: Mark Heywood (West Yorkshire). Attendance: 1,487 (295)

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