Recap: Harriers 2-1 Bedford

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JACK Clarke’s first Harriers goal helped the Reds to a 2-1 win over Bedford at Aggborough courtesy of one of the best performances of the season.

The slick surface under the lights allowed for some sharp, free-flowing football from Adam Murray’s side, who came from behind to claim all three points in style and extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

Bedford struck first inside five minutes when a break down the middle saw Tyrone Marsh superbly dispossessed –  a loose ball that fell kindly for Ellis Brown, who swept past Christian Dibble from close range.

The response was instant. Joe Foulkes found space on the right and delivered a perfect ball into the box for Jack Clarke to power home a header for his first Harriers goal, levelling things up within eight minutes.

From there, Harriers took control. Dan Mooney almost helped produce a goal-of-the-season contender on 19 minutes with a stunning, sweeping cross-field pass to Owen Evans, who advanced and fired narrowly wide of the far post.

The turnaround arrived shortly after on 21 minutes. Kurt Willoughby chased down a loose ball and found Mooney, who drove into the area and let fly – his strike taking a looping deflection over visiting goalkeeper Joe Wright to put Harriers 2-1 up.

Harriers were relentless as the half wore on. Foulkes delivered another teasing cross on the half-hour, met by a powerful Tobi Sho-Silva header that Wright parried superbly. Moments later, Mooney’s low drive on 37 minutes skidded off the slick surface and forced another fine stop from the Bedford keeper.

Wright was again called into action just before the break, denying Ryley Reynolds after the Notts County loanee burst into the area from deep.

After the restart, Mooney had a glorious chance to make it three when he raced through on 51 minutes, only to lift his finish over the bar. Goalkeeper Joe Wright then pulled off two exceptional saves in quick succession – first leaping to tip Evans’ fierce volley over the bar on 62 minutes, then spreading himself well to block from Reynolds after another flowing move.

Bedford’s best moment came late on, Marsh drilling a fierce strike that Dibble turned away with a strong right hand on 82 minutes.

Harriers saw the game out with control and confidence, their energy undimmed even in the closing minutes as Amari Morgan-Smith flicked a ball through for Willoughby to drill narrowly wide.

It was an excellent night all round – Clarke and Mooney both off the mark, a confident display across the pitch, and plenty of momentum to take into Saturday’s home meeting with Darlington.

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