RUSS Penn's fantastic second-half goal was part of a comfortable 2-0 Nationwide Conference win for Harriers over rivals Stafford Rangers at Aggborough tonight
Match summary.
Harriers made it seven consecutive wins, or nine from ten games in all competitions whichever way you look at it, and if truth be told, Phil Robinson's Stafford side posed very little threat all night long.
The hosts produced one of their most professional performances of the campaign and easily controlled the match, Russell's early goal just rewards for early pressure.
Rangers' best efforts came when they had two chances clawed off the line in the second half but Harriers looked composed even in that, and with the gap on the play-off pack now just five points a win against Altrincham on Saturday would be truly priceless.
There were disappointments from the night from a Harriers perspective, namely the withdrawal of Jonny Harkness and Gavin Hurren through injury but that seemed more precautionary than anything - Jake Sedgemore and Brian Smikle did a stern job as replacements, the latter put a potential third goal on a plate for James Constable in the second half, the popular Walsall man may thank us to only mention it the once!
Match Report
Harriers may have only needed nine minutes to break the deadlock but they so easily could have done so earlier, with Wayne Daniel going close to putting the ball into his own net in the third minute as he intercepted Penn's cross - just before the goal went in, Penn forced a fantastic save from Danny Alcock with a fine volley from the edge of the area.
The recalled Andy White can look back on a night of hard work and endeavour and it was his vision that proved key for the opener, his lofted ball found RUSSELL just inside the Harriers half, the winger made his way into the box and turned his man well before firing a low shot under the body of Alcock.
At times Stafford were perhaps given too much time on the counter-attack, whilst the back four never looked in danger from anything they threw forward, Nathan Talbot will be disappointed he didn't level matters with his 25th minute drive.
Russell came close to doubling the score line and his own tally just past the half hour mark; he latched on to Jeff Kenna's throw and skipped past two defenders before firing a shot just over.
The second half wasn't the prettiest affair you'll ever come across but Harriers to their ultimate credit still never looked like being breached, especially after the game got its second goal on 52 minutes.
Constable got to the by-line way ahead of the Stafford defence and dragged back a cross to PENN on the edge of the area who took the ball down on his chest beautifully before blasting it past Alcock who was left with nothing but thin air to play with.
White showed quick pace seven minutes later and with no options available was left to put in a shot on goal from a tight angle that the goalkeeper got down well to.
On 70 minutes sub Smikle made a mockery out of a tiring Stafford defence and calmly rolled the ball across the six-yard box to the feet of Constable who, from perhaps half that distance, could only manage to fire way over the bar.
Rangers tried their best to get forward but still lacked any real bite up front, Craig Lovatt shot woefully wide 17 minutes from the end but was much more accurate when he fired an effort in from the edge of the area towards an open goal after Bevan had come out to punch a ball clear - skipper Stuart Whitehead made the injury time save with a calm volley off the line.
Harriers: Bevan, Kenna, Creighton, Whitehead, Harkness (Smikle 64), Russell, Hurren (Sedgemore 59), Penn, Blackwood, White (Reynolds 86), Constable.
Subs Not Used: Steve Taylor, Eaton.
Rangers: Alcock, Sutton, McAughtrie, Daniel, Murray, Robin Gibson (Edwards 79), Talbott, Lovatt, Oldfield, Madjo, Olaoye (Grayson 79).
Subs Not Used: Williams, Alex Gibson, Dacres.
Attendance: 1,573 (103 away fans)
Referee: Mo Matadar (Lancashire).
