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Kidderminster Harriers: Needed Bit Of Luck

Posted by Kelly Gilchrist
Posted on Sun 2 Apr 2017
Posted in First Team

Cliff Moyo admitted that the Shaymen had lady luck to thank after a 2-1 win over Kidderminster Harriers. With the scores level, substitute Moyo was fouled in the area, with Jordan Sinnott firing in the resulting spot-kick to take the three points back to West Yorkshire and close the gap on 2ndย placed Harriers.

Kidderminster dominated most the first half with recent signing and former Shaymen Joe Ironside opening the scoring after capitalising on a Sam Johnson mistake. Halifax could fight back thanks to a Denton header, before Sinnott scored his second goal in as many games in the 84thย minute. Halifax have now made it three wins on the bounce and are two points off 2ndย place.

โ€œYeah, itโ€™s a tough place to come to here. Iโ€™d say Kidderminster are one of the best teams weโ€™ve played this season. As you can tell, they made it very difficult, especially going 1-0 up early doors. And with their passing and movement on the ball it makes it very difficult to try and control the game but the lads dug in. And in a way, we were lucky with the penalty but youโ€™d take all three points, wouldnโ€™t you? Moyo said after a tight, but enjoyable clash at the Aggborough Stadium.

After going a goal up, the Harriers continued their dominance, with Ironside and another former Halifax man, Daniel Nti, both having chances to extend their teamโ€™s lead. Arthur Gnahoua and Elton Ngwatala also looked threatening when on the ball, but Halifax could pull the score line level through the head of Tom Denton, who bagged his 15thย league goal of the campaign.

ย โ€œWe donโ€™t go down easy. The lads work hard and fight hard throughout the whole 90 minutes. Like I said, theyโ€™re a very good team so credit to them and to the game. It could have gone either way, we could have been straight out of the game early doors, but luckily enough we got back into it.โ€

James McQuilkin had the opportunity to put Kidderminster into the lead once again with the last kick of the first half. The referee pointed to the spot after Sinnott was deemed to have fouled Ryan Croasdale inside the area, but the former Torquay United midfielder dragged his strike wide of the post. Cliff believes that moments like that could be turning points for Halifaxโ€™s season, albeit lucky ones.

โ€œI know itโ€™s a clichรฉ, but you do need that little bit of luck. And missing that penalty was that little bit of luck we needed. And fair play to Sinbad stepping up, in the last few minutes, under pressure, and he put it away nicely.โ€

One man who took most of the plaudits was Sam Johnson. The shot-stopper pulled off numerous saves to keep the Shaymen in the game and was credited for his performance from Moyo.

โ€œSamโ€™s quality, heโ€™s a great keeper. Makes it better because heโ€™s in my car school as well! Heโ€™s fantastic, heโ€™s an absolute unit. 6ft 5โ€, 6โ€ whatever he is. He makes a presence, makes that goal look small with him in there.โ€

The winning penalty from Sinnott sparked rapturous scenes in the away end of Aggborough. Now undefeated in three games, the Shaymen faithful have plenty to celebrate and Moyo, as well as the rest of the squad, are extremely thankful for their continued support.

โ€œI think the fans are fantastic, home and away. Especially away, coming to places like this. Great support so our fans are fantastic coming here. Non-stop singing all the way through and thatโ€™s what we need, because especially with a big crowd like this, itโ€™s difficult.โ€

Next up for Halifax is another long away trip, this time to St. James Park, the home of Brackley Town. The Saints are currently in 8thย place, still hoping to finish off in a playoff place. With the game being Halifaxโ€™s game in hand, itโ€™s another huge game that could mean so much for the club. Moyo expects a difficult challenge, but aims to get revenge on the club that beat the Shaymen 3-1 earlier this season.

โ€œBrackley is another tough game, very tough game. You see what they did to us at home, and we owe them one, so hopefully we get three points.โ€

FC Halifax Town face Brackley Town on Tuesday night, at 7:45pm.

Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist

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