Tuesday, March 18, 2003

DREWE Broughton kept Kidderminster Harriers on track for a Nationwide League Division Three play-off place by grabbing two second-half goals in last night's 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town at Aggborough.

He pounced in the 62nd and 68th minutes after the Shrews had taken a 2-0 lead inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour.

The deadlock left ninth-placed Harriers still one point adrift of a play-off spot, although they are now four away from an automatic promotion place.

The result left Aggborough boss Ian Britton with mixed emotions.

He said: "I'm disappointed we didn't take three points but happy we have got one. That's an extra point towards the play-off places and it just means now we have got to win on Saturday against Swansea."

Harriers staged their fightback after a controversial incident in the 57th minute.

Referee Ray Olivier initially awarded them a penalty for an apparent hand-ball offence but, following strong protests by the Shrewsbury players, the Sutton Coldfield official changed his mind after consulting one of his assistants.

His change of heart angered Britton, who said: "I couldn't believe the decision because the referee was in front of the bloke who handled. I just can't believe how the linesman can change the decision when the referee has given it."

Britton, however, was relieved by what he described as a 'great comeback' after giving two goals away inside the opening 15 minutes.

The first came on seven minutes when Peter Wilding scored with a glancing header following a free kick by Ian Woan.

Nigel Jemson then had a shot hit the bar before Luke Rodgers gave Kidderminster a mountain to climb, putting the Shrews 2-0 ahead.

Harriers, who created their fair share of chances in the first-half, produced a far better display after the break with Andy Bishop helping to set up both of striker Broughton's goals.

Relieved Britton said: "I always felt if we could get one goal we'd get back into it. In the second- half we played with pace, commitment and plenty of power. It was one-way traffic and there were enough chances to have wrapped it up."

Kidderminster: Digby 6, Morgan 7, Williams 6, Hinton 6, Smith 6, Broughton 8, Shilton 5, Flynn 5, Melligan 6, Scott 6, Bishop 7. Subs (not used): Brock, Stamps, Parrish, Foster, Ayres.

Star player: Drewe Broughton. Attendance: 3,284.