KIDDERMINSTER Harriers were left frustrated after playing out a 0-0 draw with fellow promotion-chasers Merthyr Town, writes Neil Gordon.
Harriers failed to score at Aggborough for the first time this season in this eagerly anticipated clash between fourth and third, in a match which was not without controversy.
A crowd of 2,414, including an impressive 187 travelling fans, watched on as Kidderminster remain fourth in National League North table on 52 points.
An early chance went begging for the home side with David Davis picked out superbly in front of goal, as Harriers returned to action after their postponed game at Spennymoor last weekend.
Davis was in the thick of it again midway through the half when Merthyr goalkeeper Jaimie Cogman collided with him during a challenge for the ball.
This came after Harriers goalkeeper Christian Dibble had saved comfortably from Cawley Cox and Lewys Twamley, as Merthyr looked to put four straight defeats behind them.
Just before half-time Emeka Obi’s header caused concern inside the box after Merthyr gifted Harriers a corner.
After the interval Dibble’s outstretched boot crucially diverted away Jordan Garrick’s powerful shot.
Controversy then reared its head when Ryley Reynolds’ corner went straight into the Town goal with Cogman beaten.
Initially, the referee appeared to give the goal before then awarding a free-kick to Merthyr.
And Davis could have clinched victory in stoppage time but he steered the ball wide of the post, as it just wasn’t to be for Harriers on the night.
Kidderminster play Darlington at Blackwell Meadows on Saturday, February 14 with kick-off at 3pm.
