Harriers 1 Wolves 1

Wolves held
By KJ
January 4 2004

Harriers turned in a proffesional display to earn a draw and replay with Wolves. In fact, Harriers were desperately unlucky not to cause an upset and it was a last minute goal from Rae, that saved Wolves blushes

HARRIERS 1 WOLVES 1 (brief report)
So Harriers make the 4th round draw for only the 2nd time in their history as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolves. It was only a last gasp equaliser by Alex Rae that prevented Harriers from a famous victory, after John Williams had given the reds the lead on 77 minutes. Despite this late set back, I’m quite happy really, and would have certainly settled for a draw, prior to the game.
Harriers boss Jan Molby handed new man Jepser Christiansen his debut and also recalled fellow Dane, Bo Henriksen to the starting line up. With Lee Jenkins out, Adie Smith returned at full back, as Harriers started well. There was much slick passing and movement as Harriers certainly looked more than a struggling div 3 side. Bomber Bo did have an early chance, when his ½ volley from a Smith cross, flew over the bar. Wolves did have some good spells, but never really troubled the Harriers defence. Kenny Miller went close with a header which was cleared by Hatswell and both Cameron and Kennedy tried long range efforts which were safely gathered by Brock.
So into the 2nd half, and Harriers made one change, with Matt Gadsby coming on for Danny Williams. Again the game followed the same pattern really, Harriers on top but without really creating any clear openings. Harriers boss Jan Molby then made his 2nd substitution with veteran John Williams coming on for Bo Henriksen. It wasn’t long before the big man was in the thick of the action. He was sent clear and rounded Oakes in the Wolves goal, unfortunately he was at a tight angle and his cross was just about cleared from Christiansen and Ward in the middle. It was from the resulting corner that the former postman put Harriers into dreamland. Wards corner wasn’t cleared properly and after Adie Smith swung a leg at it, it landed at big John’s feet with his back to goal. He turned and fired in a low shot that give Oakes no chance.
This visibly fired Wolves into action and they did come more into the game. Alex Rae, Wolves best player on the day, and from what I’m told, their season, did eventually get a last minute equaliser, firing in from the edge of the area. Wolves then nearly won it in stoppage time, their new Romanian signing Ganea had his shot blocked. Shortly afterwards the whistle went and its now back to the Molineux, on Tuesday 13th January.
So a great result really and perhaps we can still provide a shock. Its more doubtful now, but its not like we were lucky today, Wolves were the lucky ones. Maybe we can save our luck for the replay ? As I said, it is very unlikely now. A lot different from when we played Blues 10 years ago. Of course we won that day but rode our luck. To be honest Blues battered us but we held out. If we had have held on yesterday, it would have been a totally deserved win.
Anyway, will update site later, with details on the replay, plus the 4th round draw, which takes place tomorrow (Monday) lunchtime.