Pearson 35; Sonupe 36
Morgan-Smith 75
Key Moments
- Quick-fire first half double seals win
- Pearson nets opener
- Sonupe snatches second
- Morgan-Smith goal not enough for City
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Quick-fire first half goals were enough to send Harriers into the Buildbase FA Trophy Second Round after a 2-1 win over York City.
Harriers were very much in charge in the first half and the two goals were sound reward for their control.
Tyrone Williams, Sonupe and Joe Ironside had the earliest of the day’s chances – Sonupe on 22 minutes taking things a step further as he struck a low shot that beat the dive of Bartlett bur also his upright.
Jon Parkin, ever a threat, rifled over the bar for York before the half-hour, just before Pattison struck low shot from inside the area that Brandon Hall had to get down to hold.
The goals came in swift order on 35 and 36; no sooner had Pearson struck at close range after following up on Ryan Croasdale’s shot that’d been saved, than Sonupe caught the Minstermen napping at the kick-off as he beat his man and, despite being fouled, managed to knock the ball into the net.
In the early part of the second half, Austin and Sonupe had chances to send Harriers further into the lead, Parkin lifting a free-kick narrowly over the bar to keep City interested.
After sub McQuilkin and Ngwatala had good chances on the counter after the hour mark, but York set up the tense finale as, stepping inside, sub and former Harrier Amari Morgan-Smith bent a smart finish from outside the area into Hall’s top corner.
Harriers defended superbly to ensure the visitors didn’t draw level – though they went close to doing so through Bencherif’s header and, from distance, Rowe’s fizzing drive that bounced off the post.
Sonupe opted to shoot with others in support in one of a few late counters for the home side, but in the end the whistle sounded to send Harriers through.
Kidderminster Harriers
York City
Kidderminster Harriers
Substitutes
York City
Substitutes
AHEAD of Saturday’s Buildbase FA Trophy clash against York City, defender James Pearson has revealed how he’s enjoying his football like never before.
The former Leicester and Peterborough man only joined Harriers in September, but admits his time at Aggborough is, in many respects, already beyond compare.
The 24-year-old is enjoying his time with the current set of players, despite frustrations over the injuries that caused him to miss a few games early on.
“I’ve missed a few games through injury and whatnot, but other than that it has been great to get a good run of games together,” he explained, as he spoke to our YouTube channel in advance of the game.
“I am really enjoying myself and enjoying my football.
"...it’s a game of football and you go out to would how you would any other game." James Pearson
“I have played higher up but I have never played in a team like this before; I’ve told lots of people that I have never played in a team that plays the football we play.
“Whether I would enjoy this league at another club, I probably wouldn’t because it probably wouldn’t be run as well as this place.
“I really enjoy playing in this team.”
Pearson and Harriers will be back in action on Saturday after an enforced break.
Last weekend’s league match at Chorley was postponed meaning it’s ten days since the boys faced competitive action – not that they’re alone in that, with so many postponements due to the weather across the county.
Things re-start in very challenging fashion as the Minstermen come to town.
It will be Harriers’ second meeting with Martin Gray’s men following the 1-1 league draw up at Bootham Crescent last month.
Ryan Croasdale put the team into the lead before Jon Parkin’s free-kick evened things up.
It was an entertaining affair and Pearson stresses there ought to be no difference to the approach of this game.
His view of knockout football may be fairly clear-cut but it’s to the point, as he added: “If you lose you’re out, if you win you’re through to the next round – it’s as simple as that!
“I don’t approach the game any differently to how I would a league game; it’s a game of football and you go out to would how you would any other game.
"I’ve told lots of people that I have never played in a team that plays the football we play." James Pearson
“If we go out with the same mentality as we have done in the league in the last few weeks and look to win the game, I am sure we will be okay.”
Harriers ought to have Pearson back fully available after he sat out the trip to Harrogate ten days ago, though there are plenty of defensive options available to boss John Eustace.
Dan Bradley (knee) remains the single, definite absentee as he remains a few week away from full recovery after minor surgery.
Lee Vaughan continues in full training as he has done for a number of weeks following his seven-month lay-off.
For this FA Trophy First Round clash, Harriers and York have agreed to a reduced admission price.
Catch up on the full ticket and admission details, or purchase Main Stand tickets in advance online.
WATCH: James Pearson’s full pre-match video interview by clicking the video tab above.
BUY: Those online match tickets by using the tickets area at the top of the page. Don’t worry, you can still purchase on the day at Aggborough once online sales end.
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Latest News
A look ahead to the Good Friday clash at Aggborough against Altrincham…
James Pearson pre-match
Joel Taylor post-match
Matt Gardiner post-match
Extended Highlights
Latest News
A look ahead to the Good Friday clash at Aggborough against Altrincham…
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