HARRIERS were again forced to settle for a draw in a dramatic game at Curzon Ashton that ended 1-1 and saw three penalties missed.

Curzon had opened the scoring in a close first half, but not before Brandon Hall had thwarted them from 12 yards. Joe Ironside then saw his own spot kick saved.

Harriers dominated the second period and levelled through Ashley Chambers, and looked set to win it from the spot only for Kane Richards drag wide.

There were chances at both ends in the early stages without either goalkeeper seriously being tested, Williams twice for Harriers and Marshall for the hosts taking aim.

With a quarter of an hour played Weeks’ attempted lob of Mason saw him lift the ball wide before, six minutes later, the day’s first penalty was awarded after O’Connor was adjudged to have fouled Hughes in the area. Brookes stepped up, but found his low attempt saved by Hall who got down low.

Barely seven minutes later Harriers were awarded their own penalty after a foul on Williams – Ironside striking his 12-yard effort firmly, only for Mason to get a strong hand to it. The hosts then went in front as Harriers were hit going forward – the ball eventually turned home Brooke at the second attempt after an initial effort had been blocked.

The visitors started the second period in dominant mood as Chambers was denied by Mason and Williams, too, saw an effort saved. Brooke nodded over when well placed 11 after the restart with one of few home chances in the half.

On the hour Ironside had a header hooked off the line before Williams and Ironside once more continued what became an assault on Mason’s goal, a deserved equaliser coming from Chambers as he tucked away Richards’ pass with 73 on the clock.

Though tails were up, Harriers were thwarted by a lengthy stoppage due to an injury to the referee – the game restarting again with a great chance for Chambers who glanced a header wide before Richards, stepping up for penalty three of the day, drove his shot wide.

In the fifth minute of ten added on at the end of the game, Chambers met a Vaughan cross with a header that thumped off the post, Williams then looked to turn home the rebound only for Mason to somehow claw the ball away from the goal.