Croasdale 43, Ironside 60
Regan 52, Cummins 89
Key Moments
- Late equaliser steals win from Reds
- Croasdale and Ironside had netted
- Regan with first Nash leveller
Latest News
CURZON ASHTON struck a late equaliser to deny Harriers an Aggborough victory and seal a 2-2 draw in National League North.
Harriers were ahead at the break thanks to a great strike from skipper Croasdale just two minutes shy of the interval, a first period that the host had dominated.
The start to the second half triggered a chance in that capacity as Curzon levelled swiftly through Matt Regan, but the ideal response saw Ironside restore that lead with a looping header.
That looked to be that until Cummins struck late to claim a late share of the spoils.
It was one-way traffic in the first 45, Williams having a header turned on to the bar after just three minutes, Sonupe then blazing across the target after his great pace had set him free.
Ironside and Bradley continued to pepper Cameron Mason between the sticks, both getting in a pair of headers before, advancing forward, Bradley stabbed at a loose ball Mason had spilled, scooping it just over the bar.
The breakthrough was deserved when it came and it was a moment of quality as Croasdale breezed past his man and drove an angled finish across Mason and into his bottom corner.
As in control as Harriers were, Curzon were soon level after the restart as Regan turned home a delivery off a short corner with Hall left helpless at close range, Hall then at his best soon after to turn away a more spectacular Regan attempt.
Harriers have had their character questioned in recent weeks but it showed through here as, within eight minutes they were back in front thanks to Ironside’s third of the season, a header that dropped beyond Mason and into the net from Sonupe’s ball.
From there, all that remained was for Harriers to try and see out the win but, at the very last, a sweeping move forward saw Cummins slam the ball into the net with Hall just getting a palm to it.
Kidderminster Harriers
Curzon Ashton
Kidderminster Harriers
Brown 77 Longbottom 36 Wright 67Substitutes
Sonupe 77 Bradley 67 McQuilkin 36 Curzon Ashton
Byanga 82 Wharton 90 McKenzie 77Substitutes
Cummins 90 Leonard 77 Crothers 82JOEL TAYLOR wants Harriers to go out with only winning in mind when the team host Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night.
Harriers were pegged back in their quest for a third straight home win by Boston United last time out.
Now the Nash visit Worcestershire looking to build on their own 1-1 draw at the weekend as they took a share of the spoils against promotion-chasing Salford City.
While Harriers sit just two points off the play-offs in what is still an embryonic league table, the full-back recognises that the side are still capable of more than they’ve shown so far.
It’s not for any lack of belief, either.
The former Stoke City man speaks in an interview with the match programme for the Curzon clash and insists that, with the Aggborough support behind them, the reds know they can get the job done.
“There is loads of belief in the team and we know that we can get back to playing how we should be playing,” he explained.
“We’ll keep doing what we’re doing – we know we’re a good team and Saturday’s point was a point on the board and we can build on that on Tuesday.
“The fans will be behind us and we’re behind them.
“We know we are capable of getting the win and we want to make sure we get it.
“The mentality is half of the battle and we know with the gaffer and how we prepare for games that we’re capable of going out there and producing every week.”
Taylor is himself hopeful of being fit for the clash.
He was forced off during the second half of the draw with Boston but, immediately afterwards, was confident he’d be able to make it.
Whether that turns out to be the case remains to be seen, but boss John Eustace was equally confident on the fitness of striker Joe Ironside.
The hit-man played just under an hour on his return from injury after an arduous week of work with the club’s medical staff.
Liam Truslove (knee) remains out while Lee Vaughan (leg) continues to busy himself with his rehabilitation.
Kick-off at Aggborough on Tuesday night is 7:45pm.
Fraser Horsfall post-match
John Eustace post-match
Extended Match Highlights
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