Match Report: South Shields 1-2 Kidderminster Harriers

South Shields were left frustrated by their 2-1 defeat against Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday - their first home loss of the Enterprise National League North campaign.

The Mariners struggled to rediscover their form at 1st Cloud Arena against a dogged Harriers side who controlled the game to their advantage.

David Davis caught on-loan goalkeeper Tom Watson by surprise with his glanced header just four minutes before the half-time whistle, and then Kam Kandola waltzed his way through the Shields backline with three minutes remaining.

Dillon Morse, in the 97th minute, produced one late consolation for the Mariners, who couldn't find the equaliser they hoped for during the 10 minutes of additional time.

AFC Fylde now move four points clear at the summit, but having played one extra game over Ian Watson's side.

The game quickly sprung into life, with Kidderminster enjoying their fair share of well-crafted chances early on - the first fell for Ryley Reynolds, who was unlucky to have his shot deflected.

Shields followed that up with a surging through ball by Watson, which almost found Paul Blackett just outside the 18-yard box.

Almost immediately the visitors responded and Reece Devine laid it off to Michael Gyasi in a dangerous position, whose driven attempt narrowly went wide.

Davis was next to try his luck for an eager Kidderminster side, but his shot flew over the bar.

Shields were limited offensively, but Dan Dodds offered the hosts a glimpse; his low-driven shot was dealt well by Christian Dibble who stretched his leg out in anticipation.

Charlie Cooper and Jordan Tunnicliffe collided and play was halted for a few minutes while treatment was being sought: both players were subsequently taken off.

Ethan Mann - later named Player of the Match - and Robbie Tinkler provided some excellent stops on the line to prevent what could have been surefire Kidderminster goals.

However, the visitors took the lead soon after through Davis after a free-kick was cleared inadequately.

The Mariners found their rhythm more after the restart and Dibble was called into action a number of times to make some acrobatic clearances.

It wasn’t to be, however, as substitute Kandola navigated his way through the Shields defence to put the game beyond doubt.

Morse got one back deep into stoppage-time, but it was too late to mount an improbable comeback.

The lads are in Isuzu FA Trophy action next when they host Macclesfield FC on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

South Shields: Watson, Tinkler (Morse 45’), Bainbridge (McGurk 86’), Sykes, Blackett, Jenkins, Mann, Scott, Gordon (Alcock 73’), Woolston (Wheeldon 73’), Dodds (Ward 76’).

Unused substitutes: Blaney, Savage.

Goals: Morse (90+7’).

Kidderminster Harriers: Dibble, Devine, Tunnicliffe (Obi 27’), Gyasi (Morgan-Smith 46’), Foulkes, Evans, Kalambayi, Davis, Cooper (Kandola 27’), Reynolds (Spokes 89’), Hemmings (Walker 89’).

Unused substitutes: Palmer, Willoughby.

Goals: Davis (41’), Kandola (87’).

Attendance: 1,600.

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19).