Kidderminster 3 Altrincham 2 - Report

The 23 year old, whose eye-catching appearances this term have sparked interest from a number of clubs including Aston Villa, Leeds United, Derby County and Ipswich Town, pounced in the first minute.

The Robins hit back with a goal from John Johnston before Dan Bradley and Ashley Chambers netted to give boss Neil MacFarlane’s men a 3-1 interval lead.

Max Harrop reduced the deficit for the battling visitors, but it was not enough to stop Harriers from hanging on to secure their fourth home league triumph on the trot.

Second-placed Kidderminster, unbeaten at home this season, made a couple of changes from the side which trounced Atherstone Town 5-0 in last week’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Aggborough.

Chambers came in for front-runner Joe Ironside while midfielder Billy Daniels replaced James Baxendale.

Ironside and Baxendale were both on the subs’ bench.

Harriers made a dream start by going into a quick-fire lead through man-of-the-match Williams, who has now scored in his side’s last five league encounters.

He confidently grabbed his chance to hit the target after visiting goalkeeper Elliot Wynne had pushed away a long range shot from Declan Weeks.

Williams, who has been called up to the England C squad for their forthcoming fixture against Estonia Under 23s, tried his luck again a few minutes later, but this time his effort rebounded off Wynne before being cleared.

Harriers continued to test the Robins’ defence and Bradley, a hat-trick hero the previous Saturday against the Adders, was not far off the mark with a powerful drive which dipped just over the bar.

Altrincham, however, steadily began to look more of a threat when pushing forward and drew level in the 23rd minute when Owen Dale ran past Ryan Johnson before whipping in a low cross which was finished off by Johnston.

Harriers regained the lead on 35 minutes when an excellent through ball by Johnson found Bradley who netted with a sweetly struck shot into the far corner of the net.

Shortly afterwards Altrincham had a good chance to get back on terms, but Johnston fired high and wide from a good position in front of goal,

Harriers capitalised in the 44th minute when neat footwork by Williams led to Chambers racing in to fire firmly past Wynne.

Hard working Altrincham started the second half on the front foot and Aggborough goalkeeper Brandon Hall was soon called on when had saved at the second attempt following a fierce swerving shot from Harrop.

Harrop completed the scoring in the 52nd minute when he scored with a deflected free kick from in front of goal.

During a tense period of stoppage time Altrincham’s James Jones was unlucky when he had an effort rebound off the post.

TEAMS

Kidderminster: Hall; O’Connor, Horsfall, Johnson; Vaughan, Daniels, Weeks, Williams (Baxendale, 87), Austin; Chambers (Richards, 72), Bradley (Ironside, 71). Subs not used: Palmer, Digie.

Altrincham: Wynne; White, Jones, Hannigan, Hampson; Johnston, Moult, Williams (Poole, 78), Harrop, Dale (Hancock, 56); Peers (Hulme, 56). Subs not used: Thompson, Goulding.

Referee: James Bell (Sheffield).

Attendance: 1,517 (116 away fans).