Ten-man Alfreton Town held Kidderminster Harriers to a 1-1 draw on Friday night at the Impact Stadium, thanks to a late goal from captain Matt Rhead.
Kidderminster had the first sight of goal early on, as Ashley Hemmings’ smart header was well held by Alfreton goalkeeper George Willis.
A collision in the middle of the park between George Cantrill and Ethan Freemantle led to a lengthy stoppage in play early on. Harriers striker Freemantle was unable to continue and was replaced by Jack Bearne on ten minutes.
Alfreton’s first shot on target came from midfielder Milan Butterfield, but his low free kick was kept out easily by Tom Billson.
A miscommunication between Willis and his defenders allowed Kiddy substitute Bearne in on goal. The diminutive forward beat the ‘keeper with a beautiful lob from a tight angle to give the Harriers an early advantage.
The opening stages of the game were hotly contested as tough tackles flew in from both sides. Referee Darius Bradley eventually had his hand forced as he booked Milan Butterfield for a late challenge.
Alfreton left back Danny Preston then came close, again from a set piece, but his free kick from the right sailed over the bar.
Butterfield, who was making his full home debut in this game, then committed another late foul just before half time. He was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence, leaving Ofton down to ten.
Town came out for the second half rejuvenated and took the game to Kidderminster, despite being a man down.
Alfreton’s young midfielder Bailey Hobson picked the ball up on the halfway line and beat multiple players on a mazy run, but his tame left footed effort was easily stopped by Billson.
Ofton captain Matt Rhead then plucked a long ball out of the sky and shot towards goal, but his effort flew over.
The Harriers came close to adding a second when left back Caleb Richards, who impressed throughout the game, fired a thunderous shot against the crossbar.
Ofton’s Preston then found himself in an unfamiliar position on the right-hand side. He drove into the Kidderminster penalty area, drew a foul, and the referee awarded a spot-kick to the home side.
38 -year-old Rhead stepped up to take the penalty, and although his first effort was saved, he calmly rolled in the rebound to level the scores with 5 minutes left on the clock.
Kiddy pushed for a winner late on, and Paddy McLaughlin had a shot well blocked. Amari Morgan-Smith tried his luck with a cheeky flick, but the effort was easily dealt with by substitute goalkeeper Jake Askew, who had replaced the injured Willis early in the second half.
Richards almost snatched all three points for the Harriers late on, but his right footed effort was pulled wide, and the spoils were shared at the Impact Stadium.
The Star Man: Matt Rhead – The imposing centre forward impressed with his hold-up play throughout the match and his late goal earned Ofton a deserved point.
Comments