Bradford Park Avenue make it third time lucky against high-flying Harriers

Avenue will be in tomorrow’s FA Trophy second-round draw after finally getting the better of Kidderminster Harriers in a third epic clash between the clubs this term.

The Harriers knocked John Deacey’s men out of the FA Cup following two very close games but it was the Bradford club who triumphed this time, although they finished with ten men following a controversial refereeing display in the second half.

Avenue broke the deadlock early on, added a second and defended well towards the interval to take their two-goal advantage into the break.

The visitors re-emerged with renewed vigour and James Knowles’ sending off for a second yellow card in the 65th minute made it even more difficult for the home side.

Kidderminster’s solitary response came in the 90th minute but it was too late to affect the outcome, even though there were five minutes of stoppage time.

Avenue boss Deacey was delighted to get the better of the Conference Premier Division high-fliers. The Harriers are pushing for promotion to the Football League and are still in the FA Cup.

“It is a fantastic result, winning against a team with that quality,” said Deacey, whose side had drawn with Kidderminster in the FA Cup before losing the replay in extra time.

“We have laid that ghost to rest now and we are all very happy about that.

“It was another tough game, as you would expect. I thought the referee made some questionable bookings in the second half but for both sides.

“I felt James’ first yellow card was a bit harsh but after that he should know he is treading a fine line.

“No complaints, let’s just look forward to the next round because its all about bringing a bit of extra finance into the club.”

The first incident of note was a yellow card for Callum Gittings after a foul on Chib Chilaka. But Avenue were soon a goal up as Nicky Boshell sent Paul Walker clear and he did well to sprint away and get a low cross into the goalmouth.

Jordan Deacey’s challenge on Harriers centre back Jamie Grimes saw the ball propelled towards the line and it went in courtesy of a fumble by keeper Danny Lewis and was credited as an own goal.

Kidderminster came close to a leveller midway through the half. A Joe Lolley shot was blocked by keeper John Lamb and a follow-up effort from Michael Gash was headed off the line by Chris Haworth.

Avenue doubled their lead six minutes before the interval after Alex Davidson had forced a corner. That led to another flag-kick and when Boshell’s delivery was headed down, Chilaka readjusted his position to fire in from close range.

Avenue’s lead was threatened from minute one of the second half but they defended well and even better after Knowles’ dismissal.

Davidson should have made it 3-0 in the 89th minute but fired over with only Lewis to beat and from the counter-attack Gash headed in a Lee Vaughan cross.