A solitary goal from Jack Lambert gave Kidderminster Harriers a crucial 1-0 win over promotion chasing Solihull Moors, to boost Harriers’ survival hopes.
A commanding run from the former Darlington midfielder Lambert four minutes into the second half ended in a toe-poke finish, comfortably getting past Moors keeper Nick Hayes.
The win is Phil Brown’s sixth since taking over in mid-January, whereas in their first 28 games of the season under their previous manager Russ Penn, they had only amassed four victories.
It takes the Worcestershire club onto 39 points in 21st place, level on points with York City, AFC Fylde, and Wealdstone, while it leaves Solihull in 4th place, failing to make ground on Barnet who lost 2-0 to league leaders Chesterfield.
The game kicked off after a deluge pre-match, however Ashley Hemmings came close six minutes in, as his effort clipped the bar. Lambert also came close however his effort was taken by Hayes.
Despite a sloppy start, Solihull grew into the game as Tahvon Campbell’s shot went wide. Matty Warbuton had perhaps the chance of the half for Moors as he was one-on-one with Christian Dibble, however his effort went narrowly over the bar, much to the enjoyment of the Harriers faithful behind the goal.
It finished goalless at the break, however Lambert’s early second half goal sent the away fans crazy. A darting run from from the 24-year-old proved too much for Hayes, who in truth had had a few wayward passes all game.
Tyrese Shade almost had an instant reply for the hosts, but Dibble held it safely. Hemmings had a golden chance to double Kiddy’s advantage, but his effort went over the bar.
The game had a short delay due to pyrotechnics on the pitch, which went against Harriers as the Fourth Official issued eight minutes at the end of normal time.
Former Bristol City striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas made his Harriers debut and went for glory, but his effort went wayward. After acquiring a yellow card late on in the game, Krystian Pearce got his marching orders late on for a cynical foul on Jack Stevens. After almost 10 minutes of injury time, the referee blew his whistle to grant Brown’s men with yet another crucial three points.
19 points out of 24 available has revitalised Harriers’ hopes of staying in the National League, and their survival push continues with a trip to Woking on Saturday March 2, who got a crucial win over Gateshead. They sit a point behind Kidderminster in 22nd on 38 points.
Perhaps quite out of character for Andy Whing’s Moors side, as before last night they had won four out of their last five matches. Up next for them is a trip to Hampshire to visit Eastleigh, also on Saturday. The Spitfires currently sit 12th, and will be looking to get back to winning ways as they got bested by Oldham Athletic, 2-1.
