Recap: Harriers 1-0 Gateshead

Enterprise National League

Kidderminster Harriers

1 - 0

Wed 16 Sept

Aggborough Stadium

Gateshead

Match ReportLive Game CentreProgramme

Lead image: Abigaill Media | Gallery: Ade Hoskins

CALLUM Dolan's second goal of the campaign helped Harriers secure a dogged and determined win over Gateshead at Aggborough. With Paul Wotton's squad down to the bare bones and then some come the end of the night, it was a superb display of commitment from the Reds to keep hold of the lead and three more National League points. The visitors had the first sight of goal in the third minute. Ashley Boatswain showed good pace to reach a ball forward before seeing his shot deflect towards Jack Wint, who gathered confidently. Harriers responded two minutes later when Cian Harries’ free-kick could not be cleared. Richard Faakye was then twice presented with the ball in the area, but his second attempt flew over. There was little to separate the sides during an opening half which was not especially fluid, though Harriers found the moment of quality required to take the lead on 27 minutes. Reece Devine’s inviting delivery into the box narrowly evaded Lewis Walker but found Dolan, who powered a fine first-time finish home to put Harriers in front. Harriers almost doubled their advantage three minutes later. Walker held the ball up superbly for a sustained period as support arrived, eventually finding Callum Stewart, whose angled effort went narrowly wide of the far post. Gateshead threatened in added time before the interval as Freddie Issaka held the ball from a free-kick, drove forward and got a shot away, but Wint was behind it to make a comfortable save.

The visitors carried greater threat after the restart and Wint was required to make an solid intervention on the hour. Gateshead moved the ball freely inside the area and it ran to Jordy Hiwula at the far post, only for the goalkeeper to rush out bravely and claim amid a heavy collision. Wint was called upon again five minutes later when Issaka cut inside and fired towards goal. The young stopper made the initial stop and collected safely at the second attempt. Harriers remained disciplined in their work without the ball, dealing well with Gateshead’s pressure while continuing to search for the second goal that would have settled matters. There was almost a late chance in stoppage time when the ball fell to Zak Brown after Harriers won possession and broke forward, but he was unable to make a clean connection and the effort went wide.