The battle between second and third in the table lived up to the occasion, with Jordan Sinnott’s 83rd minute penalty sealing an enormous three points for the Shaymen, whilst also ending Kidderminster’s impressive run of 13 consecutive home victories.
“I’m delighted with how my players turned it around in the second half, the victory was enormous. The players in training mid-week were mindful of Kidderminster’s record, but I made it clear to them that runs come to an end eventually- go out and stop it.”
“I’m proud of the character they showed, especially Sinnott at the end with the penalty in a very high-pressured situation” said Heath.
Cliff Moyo’s impact on the game from the bench took less than 60 seconds, when he was brought down in the box much to the surprise of the manager.
“I have no disagreements with the decision, what shocked me was how Moyo had found his way into the box!” joked Heath, informing Shaymen Player HD the defender was brought on as a deep holding midfielder – allowing Sinnott to push higher up the pitch.
The result was greeted by glorious celebration from the travelling supporters at full-time, including a memorable ‘stag do’ squad photo for a group of supporters dressed as owls with Billy and the players.
However, prior to the full-time fanfare, it was hard to see Town coming away with even a point from the Aggborough Stadium based on the opening twenty minutes.
Heath was surprised at how poorly his side started the game, and made sure his opinion was felt by the players at half-time, implying ‘the paint nearly came off the wall’.
“That wasn’t usually like us. Maybe the enormity of the game was a factor, on top of some very tired legs but at this stage of the season it’s all about who has the most desire and Kidderminster certainly had that in the opening twenty minutes” said Heath.
“They were by far the best team we’ve faced this season; we were second to everything and too often were we not applying the pressure on them – which allowed them to play the expansive football that they like so you could see their goal coming.”
The boss was disappointment with the team’s defending for Kidderminster’s goal – a simple straight corner into the six-yard box caused chaos for Sam Johnstone who fluffed his punch allowing Joe Ironside an easy header from three yards.
Despite the pressure from the home side, the scores were level at the intermission courtesy of wonderful header from Tom Denton.
His 15th goal of the season is one the striker has been waiting for, last netting in Town’s 2-1 victory against Worcester City back in February.
“Our goal was actually the first real bit of football we created- a wonderful cross in from Kevin and I’m delighted for Denton. It’s been on his mind the little goal drought he’s been on so that will take the weight of his shoulders.” said the boss.
“He was magnificent for us, did what we needed him to do – held the ball up for us and caused problems every time the ball came into the box.”
Another giant in Halifax’s starting eleven Sam Johnston had a mixed 90 minutes according to Billy, but was quick to praise his shot-stopper following a terrific second half – which saw him produce several world-class saves to keep the scores level.
“Sam made much better decisions in the second half, as did the rest of the team. I was disappointed with his first half performance but made two exceptional saves and was vital for us”.
Heath is aware of the vast travelling in recent weeks, with another long journey to take on Tuesday night, but the trip to Brackley provides a glorious opportunity for the Shaymen to leapfrog the Harriers and nail down a play-off position.
Watch the full interview on Shaymen Player HD right now.
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