Recap as Harriers start the new season with a win at York City…
By Matty Paddock - 14/08/2021
Posted 4 years ago
SAM AUSTIN’S late winner helped Harriers to a rare opening day win, their 2021/22 season off to a strong start with a 2-1 success at York City.
City had boasted an unbeaten pre-season and the opening of a brand new stadium, but it was Harriers who took away the three points thanks to a goal in each half.
The lead had been given to Harriers by Ashley Hemmings’ goal with a little over 20 minutes played, this after both sides had seen good sights of the target in an even beginning. The opener was a good one, a great ball setting Austin away who pulled a low cross into the path of Hemmings who made no mistake in finding the net.
Making the most of their height up top, York came back into the game after that and Harriers were indebted to Luke Simpson for some great goalkeeping to deny both Donaldson and Beck.
Omari Sterling was kept at bay by a good save from Pete Jameson as the half drew to a close, but as the second half began it was York who were celebrating as Heaney’s smart, volleyed effort beat Simpson to level the scores barely 50 seconds into the period.
That understandably moved York into the ascendancy, but once an incredible piece of defending on the line from Lowe had helped clear a spell of danger, Harriers were every bit worth their win in the second half and undoubtedly finished on top.
Penn’s men almost made it 2-0 when Austin got on the end of a cross but again Jameson was on hand to do the honours, just as he was for attempts from sub Nyal Bell and Caleb Richards soon after.
Bell and Montrose – also off the bench – went close in quick succession in the final stages, but the win was finally secured as Austin, chancing his arm from distance, found the net once again. The effort took a deflection on its way up and and past Jameson but it’s hard to say the player didn’t deserve the goal, nor his team the win.
A solid first outing to 2021/22 for Harriers who will look to build on the three points when they host Blyth Spartans at Aggborough on Saturday, 21st.
Team news and key match info at the Match Centre.
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