Recap: Harriers 1-1 Wealdstone (5-6 pens)

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HARRIERS’ Isuzu FA Trophy journey came to a heartbreaking end at the quarter-final stage as higher-ranked Wealdstone edged through 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Aggborough.

Adam Murray’s side responded well after conceding first and, over the course of the 90 minutes, were arguably the better side, creating the clearer openings before the tie was ultimately settled from the spot.

An early sight of goal arrived on nine minutes when Ryley Reynolds found himself furthest forward, steadied himself and went for goal, his effort rising just over the bar.

Four minutes later, Wealdstone took the lead. Harriers were unable to clear decisively from a free kick delivered into the area and Sean Adarkwa fired past Christian Dibble from six yards on 13 minutes.

Harriers responded positively. On 16 minutes, Micah Obiero met Dominic Hutchinson’s cross but saw his effort blocked behind. Two minutes later came a huge opportunity to level as a well-worked corner found Paul Kalambayi stretching at the far post to nod against the woodwork, the follow-up smothered by Dante Baptiste.

The equaliser arrived on 25 minutes and it was richly deserved. A Harriers free kick dropped into the area and caused real problems before the ball broke 18 yards out to Reynolds. Showing composure, he controlled and finished superbly into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Kalambayi was again involved on 32 minutes when a ball to the far post found him from a tight angle, his shot well held by Baptiste as Harriers continued to press.

After the break, Harriers carried the greater threat. On 46 minutes, Obiero was threaded through early in the half and went for goal but his effort flashed wide.

Seven minutes later, a free kick looked set to find Owen Evans as he moved to latch on inside the area but he was brought down, with nothing given.

Amari Morgan-Smith came close on 55 minutes as a good corner delivery was met with a powerful header that rose towards the top corner, Baptiste producing a strong save to tip it over.

The final stages saw both sides defend resolutely, with few clear openings as the tie edged towards penalties.

From the spot, Olomola, Boldewijn, McAvoy, Obiero, Tshikuna and Spencer all converted for the visitors. Morgan-Smith, Kam Kandola, Reece Devine, Reynolds and Joe Foulkes all did so for Harriers.

With the scores at 5-5, Spencer made it 6-5 to Wealdstone and Owen Evans’ penalty was saved, bringing the shoot-out to a close.

It was a narrow and painful way to exit the competition, but over the course of the 90 minutes – and the run as a whole – Harriers more than competed and reflect with pride.

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