Steve Burr
Kidderminster 4-1 Grays Athletic
New Kidderminster boss Steve Burr earned a victory on his home debut as his Harriers side easily defeated Grays Athletic 4-1.
It was Burr's second game in charge after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Crawley with the win lifting them on to 42 points from their 28 game. Grays, meanwhile are stuck in 23rd place on 17 points from their 29 games played.
Brian Smikle opened for the hosts with Damian Spencer adding a second minutes later. Jamie Guy got his side back in the tie via the penalty spot but John Finnigan and Chris McPhee's second half spot kick sealed a comprehensive win.
Kidderminster started the match relatively subdued with few clear-cut chances until they got off the mark in the 26th minute. Brian Smikle took advantage of Billy Crowther's poor defensive header to fire home from close range.
On-loan Kettering striker Spencer then made it two on the half hour mark after turning neatly on the edge of the box before finding the bottom corner of Richard Martin's goal.
With the match threatening to get away from them they were lucky to be awarded a penalty in the 35th minute when Martin Riley saw the ball deflect off his hand after making a good tackle on Jamie Guy. Guy dusted himself off before sending Jasbir Singh the wrong way.
But any thoughts Grays had of getting back into the match were dismissed when assistant boss John Finnigan scored his second goal in two games following a neat one-two with Smikle in the 50th minute.
Smikle also had a say in the fourth goal as forced Gavin Hoyte to bring him down in the box leaving the ref no choice but to award the second penalty of the day. McPhee made no mistake either, as he smashed home from the spot.
Harriers continued to look dangerous and may have extended their lead but Smikle saw his shot narrowly miss the goal before a penalty shout in the 90th minute was dismissed despite Andrea Zola appearing to barge over substitute Kyle Hadley.
Kidderminster bookings: Finnigan.
Grays Athletic bookings: Dean
Att: 1109
Ref: Richard Fletcher
Posted: Wednesday, January 27, 2010