Johnson sinks Bucks (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Johnson sinks Bucks

9:51pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News

Harriers 1,  Telford 0

MARVIN Johnson's clinical first half strike ensured Harriers deservedly came out on top in a scrappy West Midlands derby on Tuesday night.

Steve Burr's side produced a solid and professional display which was enough to see off a workman like Bucks team.

Johnson produced a fine finish in the 37th minute to settle the game but Harriers could have added to their lead in the second half, if not for the heroics of Telford keeper Ryan Young.  Victory ensures Harriers further cemented fifth place in the Blie Square abet Premier.

With the wind blowing in all directions and light drizzle, the conditions were not entirely perfect as Harriers struggled to break down their defensive minded visitors in the game's opening stages.

The first 20 minutes were a scrappy affair, with Bucks attacker Kris Taylor booked for a foul on striker Nathan Blissett.

Busy Telford had the game's first shot but Jake Reid's rising effort was well-taken by keeper Danny Lewis.

Harriers were trying to use their neat interplay to try and open up the Bucks but they found the well-drilled Telford hard to break down.

Lee Vaughan got free down the right by his cross was affected by the wind and the chance went begging.

But it was Telford who nearly opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Reid broke free on the left and fired in a shot which Chey Dunkley skidded into block.

For all their neat play, the home side had not troubled Young in goal but Kyle Storer nearly broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion.

He crashed in a thundering volley  from the edge of the box but Young athletically dived to his right to make a fine save.

But Harriers went ahead in the 37th minute. Vaughan delivered a searching ball but Malbon wrong-footed the defence by ducking under the ball and allowed Johnson to race free and slot it into the back of the net.

The wideman nearly paid the striker back for his cleverness but Malbon could not quite convert his dangerous low cross.

Telford had a chance to bag a leveller in time added on but Nathan Rooney's free-kick flew just over the bar.

Harriers made a strong start to the second half, with Blissett testing Young with a volley.

Former Telford man Vaughan then drove forward and fired in a 20-yard effort which Young was equal to.

The hosts should have added a second on the 58th minute.  New signing Danny Jackman teed up Malbon in the box but the low on confidence took a touch and fired in a weak effort, which Blissett slid into meet and fired over the bar.

The home side continued to probe and the impressive Young showed brilliant reactions to get a hand to Blissett's far post header.

Mickey Demetriou then flashed a fierce ball across the box.

The defender then needed to make a well-timed challenge to win the ball off Taylor as he drove towards Harriers' box.

But in the end, a single goal was all they needed as Harriers recorded their first league double of the season.

Harriers: Lewis, Vaughan, Demetriou, Storer, Malbon (Rowe, 71), Johnnson, Blissett, Pilkington (Gittings, 71), Jackman (Shakes, 87), Dunkley, Gowling.

Subs not used: Williams, N Vaughan.

Telford: Young, Salmon, Preston, Rooney (Hubbins, 60), Trainer, Kinsella, Jones, Reid (Spray, 85), Leslie (Peniket, 60), Taylor, Rose.

Subs not used: Valentine, Collister.

Referee: Kevin Johnson (Weston-Super-Mare) Attendance: 1,785 (218)