-fg5omvt.png)
HARRIERS were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Chesterfield on Sunday despite a strong second-half showing.
Ruby Shore's 22nd-minute strike proved enough for the hosts, who were forced to defend for long periods after the interval as Harriers pushed for an equaliser.
Harriers made a bright start at Debdale Sports Park and Mitcham was first to threaten on nine minutes, trying her luck from distance before seeing her effort sail over.
Hiscox then came close four minutes later after Hill's ball into the area found her, but her volley was comfortably held by the Chesterfield goalkeeper.
On 19 minutes, Harriers thought they had the lead when Hill and Whittick combined well down the left, with Hill picking out Mitcham inside the area. The forward found the back of the net, only for the linesman's flag to rule out the effort for offside.
Chesterfield responded by breaking the deadlock on 22 minutes. A threaded ball sent Shore through on goal and she kept her composure to slot past the goalkeeper and put the hosts 1-0 ahead.
Harriers looked for an immediate response and Mitcham went close two minutes later, taking aim from a tight angle but seeing her effort saved.
Hiscox was denied again on 29 minutes following another good move involving Hill and Mitcham, while Chesterfield threatened at the other end when Hallas-Potts rose highest to meet a free-kick, heading narrowly wide.
Harriers came out strongly after the restart and immediately put the hosts under pressure. Robinson's powerful free kick was blocked by the Chesterfield goalkeeper on 54 minutes, with the follow-up also saved, before Mitcham came even closer two minutes later. The forward won possession inside the area and fired towards goal, only to see her effort crash back off the post before being cleared.
Harriers continued to push and were handed another opportunity on 70 minutes when the Chesterfield goalkeeper produced an excellent double save to deny them from close range.
Chesterfield almost sealed the win with three minutes to go, but Carter struck wide. The momentum swung back Harriers’ way when the hosts were reduced to ten players in the closing stages - Hallas-Potts was shown a second yellow card.
Report by Milja Stevenson.