Recap: Harriers 3-1 Macclesfield

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HARRIERS booked their place in the play-off final with a composed 3-1 victory over Macclesfield.

The Reds built a commanding 3-0 lead that ultimately never looked in jeopardy to ensure they’ll play one more game this season to try and earn promotion back to the National League.

There was a sharp start from Adam Murray’s side, with Richard Faakye winning the ball well on seven minutes to spark a break that saw Reece Devine find Kieren Donnelly, whose effort was directed at Rogan Ravenhill.

Macclesfield responded with a couple of opportunities of their own, Elliot Osborne
seeing a shot blocked before Paul Dawson fired into the side netting.

Harriers continued to threaten, David Davis lifting an effort over on 15 minutes after the ball dropped kindly, before Donnelly showed good anticipation to win possession and drive at goal, his attempted chip just drifting off target. Sam Heathcote pulled a shot wide at the other end as the contest settled into an even rhythm.

The breakthrough arrived on 34 minutes, and it was a special moment for Faakye. With pressure building from a series of corners, the ball was forced over the line by the midfielder for his first goal for Harriers and a deserved lead.

Harriers looked to build on that advantage before the break. George Walker brought down a Charlie Cooper delivery and crossed for Ryley Reynolds, whose header just dropped wide, before Christian Dibble produced an excellent save in stoppage time, tipping over a rising effort from James Edmondson after a slip had allowed Macclesfield in.

That moment proved crucial as Harriers struck again moments later. In the fourth minute of added time, Walker did brilliantly to keep the move alive and deliver a cross that Donnelly finished with real composure to double the lead heading into the interval.

The second half required focus and discipline, with Macclesfield pushing to find a route back into the game. Osborne dragged an effort wide early on, while a corner on 67 minutes led to a goalmouth scramble that saw Harriers block and then clear off the line to preserve their advantage.

Changes came late on as Seb Thompson, Amari Morgan-Smith, Kam Kandola and Brayden Johnson were introduced, and the impact crucial in sealing the result.

On 90 minutes, Harriers added a third with a well-worked move. Morgan-Smith won possession and Johnson showed great composure to thread a pass through for Thompson, who finished calmly beyond Ravenhill to put the result beyond doubt.

Macclesfield did pull one back in added time, Luke Matheson converting after Dibble had made a smart initial save, but it did little to take away from a controlled and assured display from Harriers.

For the Reds, its off to South Shields on Saturday (9th) for the Promotion Final.

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