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D3 * Kidderminster Harriers 0 - 1 Carlisle United * Saturday 2 September 2000
A carbon copy goal from the mid week win at Shrewsbury gave Carlisle a well deserved win from their first ever visit to Kidderminster's Aggborough Stadium.
A 63rd minute Ian Stevens volley from a Scott Dobie cross was enough to give the Cumbrians all three points and continue their resurgence under new manager Ian Atkins.
This was United's best performance of the season so far in a game where they gelled as a very effective unit.
Atkins said: "It was a terrific all round performance. I felt , in the first half, we were too comfortable and I wasn't happy. I said to the lads at half time, you can go on and win this. Kidderminster are playing all the nice football but they're not hurting us. Defensively we are playing well and apart from two dubious penalties conceded we have now kept four clean sheets on the trot from open play. People are now becoming aware that we are not a soft touch any more. We've got a lovely spirit throughout the camp at the moment and that has come a little quicker than I expected, but we won't get carried away, we still have a lot of work to do."
The Cumbrians dominated the first half but could not find the goal their play deserved.
Dobie had a 5th minute header saved by Harriers keeper Stuart Brock, followed two minutes later by a 25 yard shot from Steve Soley, tipped over the bar by Brock.
Harriers Andy Ducros should have done better with a 25th minute minute chance but failed to hit the target from the edge of the box.
The Blues immediately responded when Dobie got on the end of a deep mark Birch cross to head narrowly over the bar.
Kidderminster saw more of the ball in the second half with former Magpie Ian Bogie and Welsh international Barry Horne seeing plenty of the ball, but ineffective in breaking down a solid Cumbrian defence where the central three of Whitehead, Darby and Winstanley were outstanding.
Following the goal the Cumbrians were content to soak up the Harriers pressure, but Kidderminster almost equalised when a 83rd minute header from substitute Paul Webb hit the post.
The Cumbrians now have two consecutive home games against Rochdale and Chesterfield and will be looking to capitalise on their good run.
Kidderminster Town: Brock; Clarkson, Hinton, Smith, Bennett, Horne, Bird (Webb 78), Ducros, Shail, Bogey, Hadley. Subs not used: Edwards, Lowe, Wilding, Murray.
Scorers: None
Bookings: None
Carlisle United: Weaver; Birch, Whitehead, Darby, Winstanley, Hemmings; Soley, Prokas; Dobie, Stevens (Tracey 84), Heggs. Subs unused: Lee, Squires, Carss, Pitts.
Scorers: Stevens (82)
Bookings: Birch (90)
Attendance: 4,052
Referee: P. Armstrong (Thatcham)
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