Chorley 2 Kidderminster Harriers 1: Smith delivers deserved three points
The Magpies delivered a superb performance to claim a deserved victory over Kidderminster on Tuesday night.
Goals from Sam Bird and a late winner by Harvey Smith ensured Andy Preece’s side took all three points, cancelling out Jack Clarke’s 85th-minute equalising goal for the visitors.
The Magpies made a bright start and took the lead in the 18th minute.
A neat passage of play down the left saw Bird and Adam Blakeman combine well, with Blakeman laying the ball off to Bird on the edge of the box.
His strike took a deflection on its way through and found the back of the net.
Chorley continued to create chances, with Warren Clarke going close just before the hour mark after being played through by Blakeman, only to fire narrowly wide.
Mark Ellis also threatened from a corner, rising highest at the back post, but his powerful header was well saved by Christian Dibble in goal.
Kidderminster found a way back into the game late on, equalising with five minutes to go.
Joe Foulkes delivered a deep cross which was initially cleared, but substitute Clarke struck a superb volley that flew past Matt Urwin.
Despite the setback, Chorley responded brilliantly and regained the lead in the 89th minute.
A long throw from Bird caused problems in the box, and after Dibble failed to deal with it, Smith was on hand at the back post to head home from close range.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s away trip to Oxford City.
CHORLEY: Urwin, Moore, Bird, Ellis, Smith, Blakeman, W Clarke, German, O’Kane, M. Wilson, Sampson. Subs (not used): Nolan, Griffiths, Carr, Walker, Lalkovic, Drench.