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HARRIERS got their WNL Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 Group C win over Worcester City on Wednesday night.
Facing off against City at Sixways, a side that Harriers fell to defeat to on four occasions last season, Brandon Bevins’ side were eager to walk away with something from the game.
A rotated XI saw seven changes to the lineup that faced Notts County on Sunday, allowing for 16-year-old Lilly Gnyla to make her first start for Harriers, and new arrival Cadi Doran to record her debut between the sticks.
City began brightly in the opening minutes, with their first chance of the game coming in the second minute, but Billie Haynes at the back post couldn’t direct her effort goalwards from a corner. Harriers were able to respond, with their first chance of the game coming just eight minutes later as Amelia Hiscox took aim from the edge of the box, but the Worcester goalkeeper was able to comfortably save.
As the first half went on, City began to apply more pressure, however Harriers were able to deal with the threat and grew into the game. The most notable chance for Worcester came through Nyah Edwards, with Doran tipping her shot behind for a corner.
Harriers upped the pressure as the game edged closer to half time. Izzie Whittick was twice denied, before the visitors hit the post from a corner.
A half-time change saw Seanna McCann-Lloyd come on, providing an extra option in attack. The result was almost instantaneous and gave Harriers the lead. A nice piece of play between McCann-Lloyd and Reia Henry in the 51st minute saw the latter take aim from the edge of the box, with her shot looping over the head of the Worcester goalkeeper.
Just two minutes later, Harriers were agonisingly close to a second goal, as Harris rose to meet a cross into the box, but her header sent the ball just over the crossbar, Doran at the other end then denying the hosts with a good save four before the hour.
Around ten minutes later, Harriers had a chance as Mitcham did well to pick up the ball just beyond the halfway line, driving into the area before seeing a shot blocked.
Chances aplenty arose for both sides within the final 20 minutes, Doran saving once more before McFarlane's outstanding block prevented a City equaliser.
Just seven minutes from time, a Harriers corner saw Hiscox take possession of the ball before hitting the post twice - the Worcester defence eventually able to clear. A free kick on the edge of the box for Worcester with five minutes to go saw Evie Billingsley’s shot sail over the crossbar.
The final whistle confirmed a first victory of the season for Harriers, who are next in action when they host Wythenshawe at Droitwich On Sunday (30th).
Report by Milja Stevenson