Academy prepare for Cup with goal fest

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Kidderminster Harriers U18s kick-off their FA Youth Cup campaign next Thursday, away to Coventry Sphinx.

Harriers have spent the last two weeks preparing, using the Midland Youth Floodlit League fixtures to fine-tune the squad’s performances. They saw off Halesowen Town in a closely-fought game and, on Monday, they were again in fine form putting nine past a youthful Evesham.

Fresh from his first team debut only two days prior, captain on the night Kai Lissimore wearing his number 18 shirt made an early impact to the game, looking bright on the ball he burst into the box, forcing a good save from the goalkeeper, however he could only parry into Josh Parker to tap home after a good save from the Evesham Goalkeeper. Minutes later he was at it again, assisting Mac Lee for his first of the evening with a wonderfully weighted through ball which was stabbed home into the bottom corner. The energetic Samson Hewitt claimed the assist in the third goal, playing a one-two to set up Lee for his second of the game, after the keep made an initial save, he was able to turn and smash home with his left foot.

With the score 3-0 at half-time, Harriers stayed on the front foot and, three minutes into the second half, Tom Cole was through on goal when he was upended by the opposition goalkeeper. He stepped up and cheekily dinked the ball to make it four. Lissimore rounded-off an impressive hattrick of assists, playing a lovely ball over the top for the on-rushing Oliver Taylor-Bradley to calmly slot home into the bottom corner of the net.

As well as a well-earned clean sheet, Ben Wood got himself on the assist list, supplying Brian Castle who calmly passed the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. Jack Tolley made in seven and finished a fantastic counter-attacking move by finding the net at the near post for his second goal in as many outings at Evesham’s ground. The centre half partners linked together down the opposite end of the pitch as Joe Tait’s cross found Louis Salter who headed home for Harriers’ eighth goal of the evening.

Lee netted the final goal of the evening and claimed the Match Ball as he slotted home his third of the game, finishing off another quick counterattack after a Brian Castle low cross, capping an impressive Harriers display. After the game, Mac expressed his delight at his three goals, saying: “I thought we were very good, we pressed with good intensity and finished our chances well. The lads behind me are great they create the opportunities so I’m thankful to them for my three goals tonight.”

Player Development Co-ordinator Charlie Tonks added: “We were excellent tonight, with and without the ball. We challenged them to enjoy the game and to be ruthless which they delivered.”

Team: Wood, Tolley, Cole, Tait, Melia, Arrowsmith, Lissimore, Philp, Lee, Parker, Hewitt
Subs: Desborough, O’Sullivan, Salter, Castle, Taylor-Bradley

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