Friday, February 27, 2004

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers had no answer to Division Three leaders Doncaster Rovers and went down 5-0 at a freezing Belle View last night.

Harriers made the worst possible start by conceding a goal inside the first five minutes. Michael McIndoe delivered the perfect corner and Mark Albrighton scored with a powerful header.

Harriers responded well and it wasn't until the 39th minute that Doncaster goalkeeper Andy Warrington was called into action when he blocked Dean Bennett's shot.

The turning point in the game came three minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first-half when Harriers should have been awarded a corner, but a goal kick was given and Rovers took full advantage.

Greg Blundell, who had already missed a couple of good chances, broke into the penalty area and curved his shot into the the top corner of the net.

Harriers' problems increased three minutes into the second-half when full-back Scott Stamps was sent off for a second booking following a foul on his former colleague John Melligan.

Doncaster soon made the extra man count and in the 57th minute Ricky Ravenhill drove home a low shot from 25 yards.

John Williams could have given Harriers a glimmer of hope minutes later, but he shot wide from close range.

However, two goals in the last 11 minutes from Blundell and full-back David Mulligan emphasised the difference in class between the sides. Harriers hard work was no match for a terrific Doncaster side who on this showing look a good bet to secure promotion.

To compound Harriers misery defenders Matt Gadsby and Wayne Hatswell were both taken off with injuries. Gadsby is suffering with a stomach problem, while Hatswell was taken to hospital suffering from concussion.

Harriers: H Brock 8, Sall 7, Stamps 5, Gadsby 6, Bennett 6, Williams 5, Christiansen 5, Keats 6, Murray 7, Hatswell 6, Yates 7. Subs: Parrish (Hatswell 6, 46), Rickards (Christiansen 6, 57), Ward (Gadsby 6, 76). Not used: Foster and Gandy.