A LATE GOAL from Reece Devine saved Kidderminster Harriers from disappointment when they overcame relegation-threatened Alfreton Town 1-0 to secure maximum points, writes Neil Gordon.
Devine pounced at the death for his eighth goal of the season as Harriers looked to move on from their FA Trophy quarter-final heartbreak against Wealdstone, and extend their unbeaten league run to four games.
A crowd of 1,908 watched on at Aggborough as Harriers moved to fourth in National League North table on 59 points.
Recent signing Richard Faakye made his debut for Kidderminster following the return of Paul Kalambayi to Dagenham and Redbridge, while former Red Kai Lissimore lined-up for Town.
Ryley Reynolds headed over the crossbar during a poor first-half after being picked out by the returning David Davis on 25 minutes.
This came after Alfreton’s Josh Ayres headed wide and the grounded Harriers goalkeeper Christian Dibble had managed to divert Billy Fewster’s shot out for a corner with his legs.
The introduction of Amari Morgan-Smith after the interval saw Harriers improve with Seb Thompson firing a fierce shot at goal.
The Reds then went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock during a spell of pressure, after Devine had superbly beaten his marker.
The ball came to Reynolds in front of goal and he duly pulled the trigger, only to see his shot blocked by the unfortunate Morgan-Smith.
And as full-time approached the Reds countered from an Alfreton corner, with Devine firing home to punish Alfreton and claim a Harriers victory much to the relief of Aggborough.
Kidderminster play Buxton at the Silverlands Stadium on Saturday, March 7. Kick-off is 3pm.
