Kidderminster Harriers boss unhappy after friendly played on 'kid's pitch'
Kidderminster Harriers boss Adam Murray criticised what he described as the “kid’s pitch” used for Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win at Stourbridge.
The Glassboys have been playing pre-season matches at the Stourton Park home of Stourbridge Rugby Club but Murray was unhappy with what he claimed was an undersized playing surface.
Murray felt the dimensions were too narrow, with the touchline several yards in from that of the full-size rugby pitch.
He said: “It was weird. It’s nobody’s fault. We get here and it is a kid’s pitch. It’s a nine-a-side pitch and it kills the objective of making it real, if I am totally honest.
“Both teams had to deal with it but it made it a scrappy game.”
Academy product Liam Banks got the only goal of the match in the closing stages, with a trialist for the Glassboys then hitting the post in the final minute.
Murray has run the rule over a number of young players during pre-season and said: “They have earned it. Because we are a 90 per cent new squad we have had to look at everything in pre-season.
“They have all done well in training and today was the chance to give them game-time against a good team.
“We have everyone up to speed heading into the final two friendlies. We are in a good place.”
Rushall Olympic claimed another pre-season success as Toumani Sidibe’s late goal earned them a 3-2 win at Long Eaton United. Anthony Dwyer and Carter Lycett were also on target for the Pics.
Halesowen Town suffered a fourth straight friendly defeat as they were beaten 4-0 at home by Brackley Town. Zak Brown was twice on target for the National League Premier visitors, either side of goals for Riccardo Calder and Morgan Roberts.
The day went better for Hednesford Town, who were 2-0 winners at AFC Wolverhampton City thanks to first half goals from Dan Trickett-Smith and Jonny Edwards.
Scott Wara was on target for Stafford Rangers but could not prevent them falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Alvechurch.
Alex Bradley got the only goal as Chasetown continued their pre-season preparation with a 1-0 win over Anstey Nomads, with Curtis Pond saving a penalty. Sporting Khalsa drew 0-0 at Stourport Swifts.
