Saturday, November 11, 2000

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Jan Molby pointed to two crucial decisions by referee Uriah Rennie - but it was his side's inability to defend corners that sentenced them to a 3-1 defeat at Hartlepool United.

Molby felt striker John Durnin was tripped in the area in the first half and then was furious at a dubious penalty award against right-back Ian Clarkson that put the game beyond reach on 64 minutes.

But Harriers had already allowed a half-time lead, achieved in surprisingly comfortable fashion, to slip away from them after giving away two free headers from corners in a terrible eight-minute spell.

Molby's men have now conceded seven of the last nine goals from set pieces and that, plus a lack of cutting edge when in control of games, is costing them a top ten place.

They were the better side in the first 45 minutes, frustrating Hartlepool defensively and playing some intelligent passing football through an ambitious 4-3-3 formation.

Molby admitted: "We were in total control at half time and it was a surprise we weren't leading by more than one goal, our passing was much better than in recent weeks.

"But the referee was probably the only man in the area who saw Clarkson tripping somebody. It again hinges on two clear cut decisions.

"I felt Durnin was tripped but it still doesn't hide the fact that we conceded from two corners. Individuals have their own responsibilities for their own men."

It took 38 minutes for the Harriers to have their first shot on target but Durnin, playing his last game of a one-month contract which Molby is trying to extend, despatched the chance clinically to put the visitors ahead.

The Hartlepool defence waited for an offside flag for Dean Bennett but the winger was not interfering with play and Durnin raced on to Paul Webb's header, sliding an eight-yard drive into the far corner.

But with 50 minutes from the clock a Sam Shilton corner was flicked on at the near post and centre-back Chris Westwood equalised.

Eight minutes later Craig Midgley was left unmarked in the six-yard box from another Shilton corner and the forward headed past Stuart Brock.

The rapid double strike reduced the confidence of the visitors and buoyant Hartlepool quickly added a third goal but in controversial circumstances. Clarkson was adjudged to have fouled an opponent in a goalmouth scramble, the skipper was booked for his protest and midfielder Tommy Miller tapped the ball into an empty net after Brock had blocked his initial penalty.

Harriers' hopes of a comeback were foiled when Williams saved well from Adie Smith.