Mixed emotions for boss after battling point (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Mixed emotions for boss after battling point

9:22pm Saturday 6th February 2010 in News

Harriers manager Steve Burr experienced mixed emotions after his side's battling point at Oxford United.

The Aggborough outfit more than match the Blue Square Premier title-chasers in the first half and created several decent scoring chances.

In the second half, Harriers needed a determined rearguard action to keep dominant Oxford at bay.

He said: "Coming to Oxford and getting a point is pleasing, but I was disappointed in the second half, particularly that we could have done better with our final ball.

"Overall I was pleased, it's a tough place to come and get a result.

"It was in the back of my mind that I lost when I came here with Northwich and with England C we didn't win here either, so it's been an unlucky ground for me, but I thought the lads did quite well.

"I thought we had a bit of anxiety in the second half when we gave the ball away and caused our own problems, but that's something we can work on in the training ground."

Keeper Dean Coleman, restored to the side after two games, produced a fine performance between the sticks.

Substitute Damian Spencer also made an impact as a substitute and Burr is hoping of extending his loan period from Kettering.

He said: "Jasbir has done well for the last two games, I just felt that Dean's got more experience at this level. He did very well and his handling was excellent.

"We'd like to try and do something with Damian, we've got until Wednesday to do something so hopefully we can extend that and keep him with us."

Burr also felt new addition Marc Goodfellow, on loan from Burton Albion, will only get better after a promising debut.

The wideman forced a fine save from Ryan Clarke and linked up well with the rest of the team.

"That was Marc's first game for a while because he's not been playing at Burton but he showed little glimpses of what we can expect of from him over the next few months. I'm just glad to get him on board," commented the manager.

The 0-0 draw was also a dress rehearshal for the FA Trophy quarter-final between Oxford and Harriers at Kassam Stadium on Saturday, February 20.

The manager added: "They are two different types of games, there's a chance to play at Wembley at stake so we'll be going out to do better than today.

"They players are getting used to my style of play and at the minute we're working reasonably well but we're a bit disappointed with our final ball and pass into the box.

"The lads defended very well and all round they've worked very hard."

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