Tooley’s Take

Phil Tooley takes a look at the game and its context

Kidderminster Harriers 1 Chesterfield 3 National League Game #17

I really enjoyed the game. I enjoyed the fact that Kidderminster Harriers played a really expansive game and gave the Spireites plenty to think about. I enjoyed the fact that, after a slow start, the visitors began to work things out and began to improve. I enjoyed the fact that, at half-time, the management team changed things round because the efficacy of the team as a whole before the break was not where it needed to be. I enjoyed the fact that there were over 1,500 travelling fans, more that the entire attendance at several NL games on the day. And, of course, I enjoyed the result.

I also enjoyed the normal post-match optimist, pessimist, Chesimist views on the game (games really, as the York match was often quoted too). ‘We only played for 45 minutes in both games’ or ‘We need to do better than that against Barnet.’ Those type of comments. Barnet beat York 4-2, Barnet beat Kidderminster 2-1. We did better than that in both of our encounters!

Despite their lowly perch, Kiddy had, before Saturday, conceded just six goals at home in eight games, so Town’s three was their first such Aggborough bashing this season. Before Tuesday, York had conceded at exactly two per game, we doubled that.

The fitness levels Paul Cook has got his team to this season can be seen in the second half performances of the last three games. One first-half goal against Kettering, none against York, one against Kidderminster. Second half? Ten across the three games, that’s the equivalent of a goal every 13.5 minutes of second halves, with none conceded after the break. Remarkable.

Yes, there were frailties on show at Aggborough. Young Freckleton started slowly but his more experienced colleagues nurtured him and he was central to Chesterfield’s crucial second goal with his excellent left-sided burst and cross. The lop-sided attacking three midfielders didn’t work as well as anticipated, with Colclough and Dobra only showing fleeting glimpses of their best work, but that was rectified. For the set-play equaliser, the collective defence lost out to two headers, leading to a first concession in just short of seven and a half hours.

But for every frailty, there were multiple positives. Two goals scored with rapid counter-attacks. The opener, a four v two attack, with uber-cool Tom Naylor making rapid ground before a perfect pass to man of the moment Banks to open the scoring. The final goal, another burst forward, with sub James Berry’s pace and pass to Naylor, who bagged assist #2 with a perfect delivery for leading scorer Grigg to head home. I can’t recall the last time we bagged two such goals in a game, they were both exceptional in their execution.

The second was down to Frecks, and the key moment, a left-footed Banks shank, was far from pretty, but it was the turning point the away fans had been waiting for. Indeed most of Chesterfield’s many second half chances were of the ugly type, scrambles and close range blocks, but moments like those get the heart pumping and the excitement levels rising.

Grigg and Banks carried on their respective purple patches, but for me the afternoon’s superstar was former Kidderminster player Tyrone Williams. With striker Amari Morgan-Smith a constant handful plus nippy left-siders, winger Ryan McLean who teamed up with full-back Caleb Richards, regularly raiding into Ty’s patch, he had to be on his game from first minute to last. And he was. Loads of won duels, two stunning tackles and solid distribution saw him named as the 1866 Sport Netcoms MOTM, and that nomination confirms just what a squad has been assembled this season. He’s the 13th different 1866 Sport Man of the Match in just 17 NL games. Strength in depth!

Next week’s Cup opponents Portsmouth remain unbeaten in L1. They came from 2-0 down to win at Reading on Saturday and manager John Mousinho seems to have built a great squad without having to rely on any superstars. Leading scorer Colby Bishop was signed from Accrington Stanley, having previously being with Leamington and Boston. Keeper Will Norris has played most games in his career for Cambridge United whilst defender Joe Rafferty will be a familiar face after many games against Chesterfield for Rochdale. Most of the squad have similar CVs.

Mousinho, who is only 37, had been player-coach at Oxford United and he was also the chair of the PFA when he was appointed to the managerial post at Fratton Park at the start of 2023. His record is seriously impressive, just four defeats in 42 games as a gaffer, but next Saturday will be his first game as a manager in the FA Cup, as Pompey lost in the third round last season just before his appointment. It took a Harry Kane goal to enable Spurs to win 1-0 at home.

Free-hit or not, it’s a serious test for Cook’s side against his former club, and with serious prize money at stake, I’m sure that it’s a game that the club as a whole would love to win (no draw though please!)

Phil’s Positive: Town won in a different way. Two goals from quick breaks from defence (first and third). The team struggled to get into the game initially against a very lively Kiddy side who belied their League position, but gradually The Spireites wrestled control and had the strength to get the win sorted. Funnily enough, I thought that the game was incredibly watchable and enjoyable despite the frailties in the performance, a real thriller.

Next Match: Sunday, November 5, 2023, it’s FA Cup time as five times finalists and twice winners Portsmouth visit the SMH Group Stadium, kick-off 12.15pm. Coverage starts on 1866 Sport at 11.30am.

Chesterfield (4-2-3-1 to start): Boot; Mandeville, Williams, Grimes, Freckleton; Naylor, Jones; Banks (Oldaker 90+4), Dobra (Jacobs 74), Colclough (Berry 74); Grigg. Subs (not used): Palmer, Curtis.