A look back at Saturday’s pre-season clash
By Matty Paddock - 26/07/2025
Posted 3 months ago
HARRIERS Academy’s Liam Banks struck late to earn the Reds a narrow pre-season win at Stourbridge.
The youngster found the target with six minutes left to play, sealing a 1-0 victory for Adam Murray’s side at Stourton Park.
The game began with an early chance for the hosts, who went close inside the first ten minutes as an effort from close range cleared the bar.
Luke Spokes and George Walker combined well for Harriers shortly after – Spokes threaded a precise ball through and Walker drove a cross along the six-yard box, but it skidded away with no red shirt able to meet it.
Samson Hewett sparked a move of his own on 33 minutes, surging forward to tee up Kurt Willoughby, who let fly with a rising strike that cleared the bar. Walker then went close himself with a far-post header that lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Stan Amos.
Stourbridge had a good opportunity just before the break when Blaine Rowe got on the end of a cross, but he nodded over from close range.
On 54 minutes, Hewett, Jack Clarke and Willoughby were all involved in a sharp exchange that saw an on-trial player snap at a shot that flew over the target.
From a set piece shortly after, Stourbridge skipper Joel Kettle rose to meet a corner but Player A was well positioned to claim the header cleanly.
The game became a little disjointed approaching the final stages, though Josh Bishop was alert to deny Jez Abbey’s firm drive in the 81st minute, parrying the effort away before a recycled ball was headed off target.
Then came the breakthrough – and it was a smart finish. Banks took aim with a low, driving strike from the edge of the area and found the net with a clean hit that dipped beyond the goalkeeper.
Stourbridge weren’t done, and came within inches of a leveller as a late strike beat Bishop but came back off the post and was scrambled clear.
It meant a second successive pre-season win for Murray’s side, who are next in action on Tuesday night against Halesowen Town at Aggborough Stadium. (7pm)
This article is about: Match
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