KIDDERMINSTER Harriers were left heartbroken after FA Trophy quarter-final defeat to National League side Wealdstone following a 5-6 sudden-death penalty shoot-out, writes Neil Gordon.
The unfortunate Owen Evans saw his spot kick saved by Wealdstone goalkeeper Dante Baptiste to deny Harriers a place in the semi-finals when the tie ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Ryley Reynolds sent Aggborough wild when he deservedly levelled for Kidderminster in the first-half, after Sean Adarkwa had given ‘Stone the lead in front of a crowd of 3,195 – including 501 travelling supporters.
Picture by Harry Taylor-Holmes. s
Kidderminster fell behind early on when Adarkwa poked the ball past Harriers’ goalkeeper Christian Dibble at close range after Harriers failed to clear a free-kick.
The Reds responded and Reynolds buried a deserved equaliser from the edge of the box on 25 minutes for his third Trophy goal this season.
It came minutes after Paul Kalambayi headed onto the post for Harriers from a corner.
After the interval, Kidderminster had a scare when Micah Obiero curled the ball just past the upright from the restart.
Amari Morgan-Smith then sent a powerful close-range header goalwards forcing a superb one-handed save from Baptiste.
But, with neither team able to find the breakthrough inside the regulation 90 minutes, the tie went to a shoot-out.
Both sides converted all five spot-kicks with Morgan-Smith, Kam Kandola, Reece Devine, Reynolds and Joe Foulkes on target for Harriers.
Picture by Harry Taylor-Holmes. s
Sudden death followed with Evans needing to score after Shay Spencer had put Wealdstone 6-5 up.
However, Baptiste guessed correctly and palmed away Evans’ effort to leave Harriers heartbroken as their run in the competition came to an end for another season.
Picture by Harry Taylor-Holmes. s
Kidderminster play Alfreton at Aggborough on Tuesday, March 3. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
