Allner's glory boys!
Allner's glory boys!
Allner's glory boys!
WELSH CUP FINAL WREXHAM 1, HARRIERS 1 (after extra time)
The Racecourse Ground, so often a spare wilderness this season, witnessed delirious scenes of celebration on Sunday as Graham Allner's valiant Harrier's staged a magnificent Cup Final recovery.
Reports by Andy Bissell
When Kim Casey's magical right boot swept into action in the 82nd minute a deafening roar engulfed the ground which doubtlessly rekindled memories of former glory days at the national stadium.
The crowd enjoyed a marvellous spectacle of attacking football that would have occurred fairly to even the harshest critic of the game.
And it was fitting young Mark Rosegreen providing the telling cross for Graham's equaliser as his dazzling footwork reduced the Robins defence to a shambles.
ble weak link because of his inexperience; the degree student confounded the doubters with a polished exhibition of skill and nerve.
And it was Rosegreen who had the first opportunity to put Kidderminster ahead in the first half when his glancing header narrowly escaped the net following a precision free kick from Graham MacKenzie.
But Wrexham had the best early opportunity to put the part-timers in their place when the influential Nick Henchers cross was nodded on by Steel to Andy Fearn who beat the Kidderminster goal at
his mercy. But somehow he headed from six yards and the jeers from the Kidder minister crowd added to his misery.
Testing
But the first 45 minutes were a testing time for the Harrier's.
After just seven minutes Paul Comstive escaped the shackles of Mackenzie and beat Steel's storming goal ward with a good through ball. Steel cross looked dangerous but superb covering from Woodall denied Hencher from applying the final touch.
Trevor Campbell was again tested in the 15th minute when he did well to save a blustering shot from Edwards. The ball spun loose and Jim Steel will want to forget the dreadful hash he made of the rebound.
But the Harriers' were gradually beginning to assert authority on the field. Woodall and O'Dowd were imposing and John Barton was making impressive breaks from deep positions.
Flashed
And shortly after Rosegreen's header grazed the post, Kidderminster equalised with a chance to score. A great ball from Barton's throw-in reached Mark Rosegreen who displayed a touch of genius that set up the equaliser. Rosegreen turned Salathiel and then ran within ten yards past the
Casey through the Wrexham defence with only Dai Davies in the Robin goal to beat. But the striker blasted over from 5 yards.
Six minutes into the second half Wrexham scored after a claim for a penalty in the Kidderminster area led to utter confusion. While players from both sides looked to officials for a decision, Barry Horne nodded in to short post Campbell.
The Harriers' keeper was under pressure again in the following minute. Davies made a diving save from the ball way line and broke the Harriers' offside trap. But Campbell reacted superbly and Mark Buckland cleared the ball off the line.
Wrexham were now temporarily in the driving seat and it was Barry Horne who was masterminding the attack. In the 73rd minute he again broke superbly through the defence and his pass to Gregory set up an excellent goal scoring chance, but the forward shot wildly past the post just eight yards and even reserve Mr Cooper afforded a smile at the fluff.
sing a superb weighted cross to the far post. And there waiting was the hungry Kim Casey who headed the ball past Davies despite the presence of Wrexham defenders around him.
It was Casey's 72nd goal of the season and his most important.
Drama
The goal resulted in 30 minutes extra time and more goal mouth drama.
After Martin Woodall shot over the bar in the opening minutes of the first spell, he was then beaten superbly preventing Comtive from adding the final touch in [unclear] ling run.
And then dribbled goalward. His quick snap shot beat several defenders reeling but the superb effort was also saved by Davies.
Victory finally escaped Harriers in the cruellest fashion when a corner from Mackenzie was cleared off the line by Salathiel and Micky Tuohy's follow-up shot crashed the top of the post. Both sides left the field to a rousing standing ovation and the stage was set for the continuation of the saga on Wednesday night.
HARRIERS: Campbell, Barton, Buckland, Boxall, Woodall, O'Dowd, Mackenzie, [unclear], Casey, Rosegreen.