REPORT: Wealdstone 1-4 Kidderminster Harriers

Wealdstone were defeated 4-1 by the ten-men of Kidderminster Harriers, leaving The Stones in 20th place, just one point above the relegation zone.

Gary Waddock made just one change from the side that beat Sutton United 2-0 at Gander Green Lane on Bank Holiday Monday, with Mason Barrett coming into the starting XI to replace the injured Dion Conroy.

The Stones found themselves behind after just three minutes as a ball squared into the box by Callum Stewart wasn't dealt with properly by Francis-Clarke, allowing Lewis Walker to have an easy tap-in and make it 1-0 to the visitors.

The Stones were inches away from an equaliser in the 11th minute as they produced some neat play down the right flank. Kyle Smith pulled the ball back for Luke Norris on the edge of the box, whose strike skimmed the crossbar.

With just under half of the first 45 minutes remaining, The Stones were really starting to grow into the game, knocking on the Harriers' door for an equaliser. 

A long throw was played into the Kidderminster box, bouncing through everyone to an unmarked Francis-Clarke, who had a headed attempt on goal but couldn't generate enough power to beat Jack Wint.

In the 28th minute, Dylan Kadji for Wealdstone and Angus MacDonald for the Harriers competed for a bouncing ball, with The Stones man getting the first touch. However, in the process, the Kidderminster defender committed a high-footed challenge, kicking Kadji in the chest, which resulted in a straight red card and reduced the visitors to 10 men.

Just two minutes later The Stones levelled the scores. A corner was headed away by a Kidderminster defender to the left side of the box, where it fell to Barrett, who headed it back into the centre of the area for Wealdstone captain Connor McAvoy. He managed to head the ball past the goalkeeper into the top-left corner to make it 1-1.

In the 38th minute, play was paused due to two medical emergencies in the home end. The players left the pitch while medical staff and emergency services attended to the incidents. Both supporters were taken to hospital by paramedics.

With play eventually resuming, nine minutes were added on at the end of the first half but neither side was able to find a second goal before the break.

HALF-TIME: Wealdstone 1-1 Kidderminster Harriers

Two minutes after the second half got underway, the ball was crossed into the Wealdstone box, with Joe Newton conceding a penalty after bringing down Harriers man Callum Dolan.

Callum Dolan made no mistake from the spot, converting the penalty into the bottom-right corner of the Wealdstone net to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

In the 56th minute, The Reds doubled their lead as a free-kick from 45 yards out was played into the left-hand side of the Stones box. The ball found David Davis, who headed it back across the area to an unmarked Harries, who fired home to make it 3-1.

With 25 minutes to go, The Stones nearly pulled a goal back as a long throw was launched into the visitors' box. The ball was picked up on the left-hand side by Mundle-Smith, who swiftly turned his man before producing a dangerous effort towards the far post that just cleared the bar.

Wealdstone kept fighting to salvage something from the game against 10 men. In the 68th minute the ball was played across the box to Obiero, who struck a powerful effort on goal but couldn't convert as the away side's goalkeeper made an excellent save to keep the score at 3-1.

After multiple chances went begging for Wealdstone, the Harriers capitalised to seal the home side's fate. With nine minutes left on the clock, Lewis Walker found himself on the left-hand side of the box, he cut inside, beat Aaron Henry and slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner.

FULL-TIME: Wealdstone 1-4 Kidderminster Harriers

Wealdstone return to action on Tuesday night when they host Stoke City U21s in the National League Cup at The Vale. Kick-off is at 7pm.

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Joe Newton (Tyrelle Newton 58'), Wells-Morrison, Barrett (Olomola 63'), Norris, Kadji (Waweru 83'), Harris (Henry 46'), Francis-Clarke (Mundle-Smith 46'), Obiero, Smith, McAvoy.

Unused Subs: Johnson, Cook.

Attendance: 1,676 (246 away fans