AMARI Morgan-Smith’s late penalty helped Kidderminster Harriers to a much-needed 1-0 win at Merthyr Town.
Morgan-Smith scored from the penalty spot on 79 minutes at Penydarren Park to end Kidderminster’s six-game winless run in all competitions.
The result means Harriers sit eighth in the National League North table, outside of the play-off places on goal difference.
Adam Murray’s side went close early on as Dan Mooney saw his looping effort drop narrowly over the crossbar.
Merthyr goalkeeper Jaimie Cogman then held Tobi Sho-Silva’s effort before denying Owen Evans soon after.
The home side spurned a golden chance to take the lead at the other end as Christian Dibble made a vital stop with his legs to deny Ricardo Rees after the latter raced through on goal.
And the chances continued to flow as Cogman pushed away David Davis’s driven effort before Kurt Willoughby dragged a shot wide of the far post.
The Reds almost broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark as a near-post flick-on hit the underside of the crossbar before Merthyr cleared to safety following Willoughby’s long throw.
And Cogman then denied Mooney when one-on-one before saving from the same player just before half time with Ryley Reynolds also denied.
Merthyr improved after the break as Dibble made a fine stop low down to turn Brandon Smalley’s shot behind.
Harriers somehow failed to take lead when Mooney’s powerful effort from distance hit the post and rebounded off Cogman only for the ball to stay out.
However, Kidderminster made the breakthrough on 79 minutes when Emeka Obi drew a foul in the box and substitute Morgan-Smith stepped up to put Harriers ahead.
Dibble produced two crucial stops in injury time to preserve the points as Harriers ended their winless run.
Kidderminster are next in action against Spennymoor Town on Saturday, October 25 with kick-off at 3pm at Aggborough.
