For the second season in a row an unlucky own goal sees Halifax Town go down to a single goal defeat at Kidderminster Harriers.Cortez Belle was the unlucky man on this occasion but The Shaymen can take heart from a battling display which saw them down to 10 men as early as the 12th minute when Anthony Griffith received a red card for an apparent stamp on an opponent following a midfield tackle.
Chris Wilder gave a debut to Sheffield United loanee Dean Oliver who partnered Daryl Taylor up front but from the 12th minute he was left to fight a loan battle with support from midfield.
Resolute defending from a 3 man backline of Adam Quinn, Cortez Belle and Greg Young saw Town limit The Harriers to long range efforts early on.10 gaol striker James Constable tested Adam Legzdins in the 9th minute but the keeper set the tone for an excellent confident display when called upon.
Shortly after the red card incident Kidderminster claimed a penalty when Russell Penn went to ground in the box but Referee Rushton correctly waved away the appeals.
Town responded with an Alex Bailey shot that was off target and Quinn almost sneaked in at the far post from a Tom Kearney free kick.
Steve Bushell replaced Greg Young as Chris Wilder reverted to a 4 man defence and he produced his usual energetic display in midfield that frustrated the Harriers.And, their frustrations grew as Town comfortably held out until the interval with Keeper Legzdins largely a spectator during the latter part of the first period.
Ryan Toulson joined the action at the start of the second half replacing Bailey at right back and the half began as the first one ended with the Town midfield in control and limiting and threat from Kidderminster.
And, they had attacking intentions of their own as Lewis Killeen skipped past two men on the left and narrowly missed the target with his left foot shot.Daryl Taylor then picked up the ball on the right, beat his defender but Chris MacKenzie saved at his near post.
Jake Wright's deflected free kick fell perfectly for the keeper as Town continued to press but the killer moment came in the 72nd minute when Michael Blackwood escaped down the left past Toulson and his cross was unluckily glanced into his own net by Belle.
The big defender tried his best to rescue the situation at the other end, firstly heading a Kearney free kick over then rattling the upright with a deflected 25 yard free kick.
Legzdins saved well from Penn and Justin Richards at the other end but Town's final chance came with two minutes to go.Kearney's free kick fell to Daryl Taylor after a penalty area challenge by Substitute Darryn Stamp and the ex Tamworth man though he'd scored his first goal in Town colours but the Referee adjudged Stamp's challenge was an illegal one and Town return north from Aggborough pointless after a battling 10 man display.
Chris Wilder now has a week to rally his troops and assess the injury situation in his squad before Grays Athletic visit The Shay for next Tuesday's televised clash.
Who was your man of the match this evening. Text HFAX and the surname to 88442 before 12pm tomorrow and we'll announce the winner tomorrow afternoon.(Texts cost your normal price).
What were your views on the game, let us know on the official Halifax Town messageboard - Find Out What The Press Are Saying about the game
