Harriers suffered their first home defeat of the season, ending a run of nine games unbeaten
in the league with a disappointing performance against The Silkmen.
After the highs of the previous week's victory over Hull City, this was a very low key game
that the hosts never really got into. For the first ten minutes The Silkmen controlled
the midfield and were able to carve through the Harriers defence almost at will. Danny
Whitaker caused a number of problems for the home defence and could have opened the scoring
early on, Stuart Brock saved one shot from him and he put another over the bar from close range.
At the other end Harriers had a good shout for a penalty ignored when Dave Ridler appeared
to push Sam Shilton in the back when they both went for a cross. The opening goal came
just after half an hour, Macclesfield were awarded a free kick just outside the Harriers
penalty area which Whitaker took short to Michael Welch who drilled a low shot into the bottom
corner of the net from 25 yards. Scott Stamps came closest to equalising in the last
minute of the first half when he was allowed to run through the Macclesfield defence but he
shot into the side netting.
Three minutes into the second half Sean Flynn split the visiting defence with a pass to Sam Shilton
but his attempted chip was saved by the onrushing Steve Wilson. Kidderminster never got their
normal flowing game going and Macclesfield were able to withstand most of their attacks with ease,
particularly when the final pass from the Harriers midfield constantly found a man in a blue shirt.
Macclesfield had the ball in the net again in the opening exchanges of the second half but Kyle
Lightbourne's effort was ruled out for offside.
On the hour Harriers had to thank Brock for preventing a second goal, Matthew Tipton broke
clear of the home defence and hit a blistering shot that Brock did well to push over the
bar. Ten minutes later the second goal did arrive, however, Lightbourne got free
on the left and his cross towards the far post was headed in by substitute David Eaton with
his first touch of the ball.
In the last five minutes Harriers had their best spell, but by this time it was too late to
affect the outcome of the game. Adie Smith had a weak header saved by Wilson, and JJ
Melligan had two attempts saved by the keeper. Macclesfield withstood the attacks to
deservedly hold on for the three points.
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