Guiseley 1 Kidderminster Harriers 0

A STUNNING header from Adam Boyes five minutes from time settled a tough and absorbing National League clash at Nethermoor.

Home side Guiseley had created the better of openings so probably deserved the spoils while Kidderminster Harriers were left devastated after playing a full part in a good game.

Harriers, established in the top tier of non-league soccer, now have just one point from their first three games. On the other hand, it has taken the Lions just eight days to prove they are not out of place in England’s fifth division.

Mark Bower’s men have six points from a possible nine as they look forward to heading to Barrow tomorrow (Tuesday). The Lions boss said, “It was a great header from Boyesy to win it and I think we just about deserved it overall.

“It was a close game and a difficult game but it’s another win and another clean sheet so we’re happy with that. If that had been played 24 hours earlier after all the rain it would have been a different game.

“The wind had got to it so the pitch was very dry and the ball stuck in it which made it difficult for both sides. The important thing is that we got three points from another home game which makes it a decent start for us. That’s just what we needed.”

Guiseley began well but the Harriers’ defence were equal to anything thrown at them in the early stages. The Lions had to wait until the 18th minute to get an attempt on target and that was from Boyes but his shot on the turn found visiting keeper Dean Snedker well positioned.

Kidderminster grew into the game as the first half wore on but home keeper Steve Drench was at his commanding best. Harriers winger Adam Dawson tried to beat him with an audacious chip from eight yards inside his own half but the ball drifted just wide.

Drench was caught out by a deep cross in stoppage time but the unmarked Reece Styche headed over from five yards.

Boyes saw a well driven shot from the corner of the area palmed over by Snedker early in the second half and Rob Atkinson headed over from the resulting corner.

Lions forward Tom Craddock was increasing involved and he though he’d scored just after the hour mark. He netted off the underside of the bar following a Nicky Boshell corner but play was called back for a foul on Snedker.

There were some tense moments towards the end and Drench had to tip a deflected cross over his bar as the last ten minutes approached. But Boyes settled the contest when his bullet header from substitute Ryan Toulson’s cross, nestled in the top corner.