Harriers recorded their best win since joining the Football League with a fine 4-0 victory
at The Vetch to destroy sorry Swansea.
The fifth consectuve away win for Harriers began in quite style with both teams approaching
the game cautiously. Harriers did, however, begin to get on top quite early and were
soon creating chances. Bo Henriksen was the first to test Freestone who kept out his
effort.
Harriers took the lead after 27 minutes, JJ Melligan broke away on the right leaving defenders
trailing in his wake and pulled the ball back to the near post for Henriksen who sliced his
shot which fortunately ran to Sam Shilton who was unmarked at the far post and had an easy
tap-in.
Before the break Harriers could have increased their lead. Drewe Broughton set Melligan
free again on the right and his cross found Henriksen whose overhead kick was saved by
Freestone. In the last minute of the half, Melligan turned provider creating an opening
for Broughton who pulled his shot wide of the far post.
At the break Harriers were forced into a double substitution, Dean Bennett and Sean Parrish
replacing Craig Hinton and Danny Williams who both picked up knocks in the first half.
Harriers stepped up a gear in the second period and soon had doubled the advantage. Shilton's
cirner from the right found a crowd of heads at the near post and the ball flew into the net off
Swans defender Andy Mumford. A ten minute period followed where Harriers finished the
game off. Five minutes later Melligan got to the byline on the right again and his cross
found Broughton at the far post who headed in from close range to record his first goal of
the campaign. After 62 minutes the home defence completely fell apart allowing Melligan
to charge through unchallenged and fire past Freestone.
By now the Swansea supporters had turned on their team and chants of "You're not fit to wear
the shirt" rained down from the terraces before they started cheering the Harriers players
who were tormenting their fallen heroes. The atmosphere took on a surreal air as the
Swansea fans then chanted "You are very good" at the Harriers players.
Broughton had another chance which was kept out by Freestone and Henriksen had a couple
of opportunities that didn't test the keeper. Eventually Swansea created an opening,
Jamie Wood crossing from the right for leading scorer James Thomas who headed over and
two minutes from time Paul Reid had a long range shot that was blocked by Kenny Coleman.
The unusual atmosphere continued at the final whistle when Harriers were given a standing ovation
by the home support as they left the field.
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