Recap of the key action as Harriers get through in the Emirates FA Cup…
By Matty Paddock - 18/09/2021
Posted 5 years ago
HARRIERS netted three second-half goals to pick up a first FA Cup win since 2018 thanks to a 3-1 triumph at Sporting Khalsa.
Nyal Bell scored his first two goals for the club – after Sammy Austin had fired in a very Sammy Austin goal – all three coming after the break to dent some stubborn Khalsa resistance.
In all honesty it was a match Harriers controlled, with the home side seeing very few clear-cut chances during the afternoon.
Backed by what looked to be well over 350 fans in a 687 crowd, Russ Penn’s men peppered the home goal but, in the first half, just couldn’t find a way past the defence and their inspired goalkeeper Sam Arnold.
In a busy first 45, Sam Austin hit the post and Amari Morgan-Smith and Omari Sterling both went close on more than one occasion.
While plenty of those were big chances, the best of the half came in its dying seconds when Arnold, up against Hemmings, won the ball but could only divert it back to him. Taking a touch, it looked for all the money in the world Hemmings would find the back of the net, but he had to make do with the foot of the post instead.
A couple of minutes after the break, skipper Montrose saw a header parried over and, just after, Austin again warmed Arnold’s gloves as the chances kept on coming.
On 61 minutes, though, it was Austin who had the breakthrough, capping a neat team move and some crips passing with a firm drive into the bottom corner to the delight of the fans behind the goal.
Within ten minutes it was two. Sterling yet again had the ball in the area with menace and, after it deflected into the path of Bell the former Stockport man swivelled smartly, knowing exactly where he’d place the ball as he tucked it low and past Arnold.
Bell’s second and his team’s third came with just over five minutes later and thanks to a forward ball from Foulkes that set Bell away; charging down on Arnold, he narrowed the angle superbly before firing past him into the far corner to put the score beyond doubt, even allowing for Khalsa’s goal which came from the penalty spot.
As we entered into stoppage time a foul in the area saw ref Dale Baines point to the spot, former Bristol Rovers man doing the honours to ensure yet another Khalsa match featured a goal from 12 yards at the death.
Harriers head into Monday’s draw for the Third Qualifying Round, able to enjoy a Cup victory for the first time in three seasons.
Get full team news and key match facts at The Match Centre.
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