Kidderminster Harriers (17-09-2016)

Kidderminster Harriers 4 - 0 Tamworth (FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round), Saturday 17 September 2016

Train (Sheffield-Derby) £11-30
Train (Derby-Kidderminster) £17-20
Entry £13
Tea £1-50
Total £43

Kidderminster Harriers was always one of those teams which intrigued me on Final Score. When I first started watching football, they were always in and around the Conference. The name intrigued me – where was this place? Well today I would find out. The town is in Worcestershire and is just South of the edge of Birmingham (not far from Stourbridge and Halesowen). Some years ago, I stumbled on a defunct ground for Halesowen Harriers so the appended nickname must have some local significance. Anyway, for today’s game, Kidderminster welcomed Tamworth, from the other side of the M6, almost on the opposite side of Birmingham. On a brief exploration of the centre of Kidderminster (which is worth a visit by the way) I was careful as I was aware this was a potentially fiery derby match.

In reality, this was a bit flat for a derby. Kidderminster still regard themselves as a bigger club than Tamworth, who have flitted between the National League and its regional equivalents in recent seasons. On entering the terracing at the near end, I found a spot right at the back. This was a nice neat ground, with terracing behind both goals, and plenty of seating bedecked in red and white on either side. The far end was closed off to spectators so a cluster of noisy away fans were located at the far end of one of the seated stands to my left.

As I mentioned, this FA Cup tie fell flat quite early on. Kidderminster, who should be just about favourites today, took an early 2-0 lead, thanks to 10 sliding in from a corner and then 9 tapping in after excellent work on the wings. Tamworth had a slither of an opportunity through number 10, before the home side banged in a 3rd when 9 grabbed his second. Tamworth were trying in vain to match their opponents but to no avail.

The second half was dreadful. On 52 minutes, Kidderminster’s 11 made it 4-0 when he converted after going through. After that there were hardly any chances for either side, and the action was limited to a midfield kick-about. There was a decent attendance for this one (1050), which included 98 travelling supporters, so while this wasn’t the best game ever, some fans had a good day out. I headed back to the station, where the train to Birmingham and the next one onto Sheffield ran without delays.