KIDDERMINSTER Harriers eased into the third round of the FA Trophy with a comfortable 3-0 victory over lower-league outfit Corby Town, writes Neil Gordon.
Harriers enjoyed the bulk of possession and chances, and were rarely troubled by their Northern League Midlands Division opponents on an excellent Aggborough pitch which had withstood the torrent of rain unleashed by Storm Claudia.
Luke Spokes put the Reds ahead in first-half stoppage time, before a lethal strike from Amari Morgan-Smith and a composed finish from Kurt Willoughby sealed victory after the interval.
For Corby, Harrison Jones brought a vital save from Harriers’ Christian Dibble in first-half stoppage time with Town’s only meaningful chance.
A crowd of 1,496 watched on as Harriers recorded their biggest win of the season to date.
Michael Gyasi first tested visiting goalkeeper Jake Laban with a low shot which the Corby goalkeeper blocked on 25 minutes.
Zanda Siziba then burst goalwards from midfield but saw his run halted after he committed a foul.
Gyasi created the opening goal in first-half stoppage time when he benefited from Rhys Kelly’s unfortunate slip, and unselfishly crossed for Spokes to give Harriers’ a crucial 1-0 lead.
Corby responded with Jones forcing Dibble to palm away a fierce free-kick as the interval beckoned.
After the break Morgan-Smith doubled Harriers lead when he superbly headed home Siziba’s excellent cross on 56-minutes to the joy of the North Stand.
Tunnicliffe then twice sent headers goal bound from corners, while Morgan-Smith went agonisingly close from George Walker’s ball in.
And Willoughby sealed victory on 84-minutes when he slotted home in acres of space to seal a 3-0 victory for the Reds.
Kidderminster face Southport on Saturday, November 22 with kick-off 3pm at Haig Avenue.
