There seems to be a growing sense of optimism around Aggborough this season that the Harriers are on the verge of something great.

Tuesday night’s encounter against York City proved that Steve Burr’s men can cut it against the best in the division as they battle it out at the top of the table.

The 1-1 score line on the night was somewhat harsh on the home side who dominated for large periods of the match but could not find that elusive winning goal.

After the final whistle, boss Steve Burr praised the battling qualities of his team and declared he believes the club have a real chance of making the play-offs this season. “On the evidence of tonight I thought we thoroughly deserved to win the game”, he said.

“When they went ahead it was their first (real effort) but, as we have done all season, we kept going and got ourselves back in it.”

It was certainly edge of your seat football. The home crowd were kicking every ball in the terraces as they willed their team on. One gentleman in the Cow Shed was so involved in proceedings that when the ball flew towards him he jumped out of his seat to head it back onto the pitch!

The first half was a tense affair with neither side wanting to give anything anyway. Both sets of players seemed anxious not to make any mistakes, knowing full well that one goal could decide the outcome.

Half-time provided an opportunity for the 2,417 in attendance to settle down and prepare for what was in store as the game exploded into life after the break.

The deadlock was broken on the hour mark and it was the Minstermen who took the lead, much against the run of the play. Chris Smith was given time and space at the back post to head home, punishing the hosts as they switched off for the first time in the match.

Undeterred, Harriers kept plugging away in search of an equaliser but it increasingly began to look like it was going to be one of those games. Nick Wright, Kyle Storer and Anthony Malbon all went close as the clock ticked down, roared on by the home faithful.

If York had hung on for the win the phrase ‘daylight robbery’ would not have been an over exaggeration, the game became that one sided. Harriers had to wait until the 87th minute to get back on level terms when substitute James McQuilkin’s long range free-kick evaded everyone in the box and bounced straight into the net. The stadium erupted into ecstasy.

The man on loan from Hereford United made a big impression when he came on, finding space and linking up the play effectively with some incisive passing. The other latest acquisitions, Malbon and Daniel Bradley, also showed what they can do. Bradley was brilliant in the engine room of the midfield whilst the former showcased his talent with some predatory forward play, most notably a deft lob that almost found its way into net.

Most fans would have settled for a point before kick-off but after such a performance there was a slight sense of disappointment that it didn’t warrant more. However, a quick check of the other scores on the night soon remedied this. Losses for Gateshead, Southport and Wrexham meant it was a very good evening for the Harriers – but there is still a long way to go.

“A lot will change between now and the end of the season in terms of points”, said Burr.

“There are a lot of games and we just want to try and keep piling up as many points as we can and if that sees us in the play-offs then that’s fantastic.”

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here