Redemption For Manny As Kiddy Counter County

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers fought back from two goals down to earn a replay with Stockport County in an entertaining FA Trophy tussle at Aggborough.

- Adam Matthews

Goals from Jason Oswell and Darren Stephenson looked to have sealed County’s passage to the third round for the first time ever, but four-time finalists Harriers hit back with two goals in three minutes from Fraser Horsfall and Emmanuel Sonupe.

Sonupe redeemed himself for an earlier penalty miss but Horsfall turned from hero to villain, seeing red for a second bookable offence four minutes from time.

Despite a dramatic afternoon it was no surprise that these two in-form sides could not be separated. Harriers have lost only once in all competitions since mid-September, Stockport are now unbeaten in seven after this result, and only three points separate the teams in the National League North table.

Harriers had the better of the chances throughout the first half with Elton Ngwatala and Dan Bradley both going close, but Stockport went ahead on the stroke of half-time against the run of play. An imposing break from Darren Stephenson saw him power forward down the left wing, before crossing for Oswell who nodded home his 23rd goal of the season.