Words: Ewan Murray, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY put in a remarkable performance to defeat Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 on Tuesday evening.
An early goal by Sam Bird and a late winner by Harvey Smith helped the Magpies cancel out Jack Clarke’s second half equaliser, for Andy Preece’s side to gain all three points in a stellar performance.
Chorley struck first in the 18th minute, following some good play down the left flank, there was a neat one-two between Bird and Adam Blakeman, with the latter teeing up Bird on the edge of the box, his strike was deflected and found the back of the net.
Kidderminster grabbed an equaliser late on in the 85th minute, a deep cross by Joe Foulkes was headed away by Jack Moore but it was hit well on the volley by substitute Clarke and his strike flew HaBirdpast Matt Urwin to bring the two sides level.
The Magpies though would push on, and in the 89th minute they got their deserved winner, a Bird long throw was not dealt with at all by The Harriers goalkeeper Christian Dibble who inadvertently punched the ball towards the back post, which is where Smith was stood waiting and he headed home from no more than three yards out.
Andy Preece’s side also had numerous other opportunities, the best of which would come for Warren Clarke and Mark Ellis.
The first in the 59th minute when following a great pass in behind by Blakeman, Clarke found himself bearing down on goal, but he would rifle his effort past the wrong side of the post.
The second was a header for Ellis following a great delivery from a Blakeman corner, the centre back rose highest at the back post and forced a great save from Dibble to prevent him from scoring.
Chorley will now look towards Saturday’s fixture away to Oxford City.
