Kidderminster Harriers boss makes 'fear' claim after defeat

Harriers fell to their second defeat of the National League North season after failing to build on Emeka Obi's opener.

Max Booth immediately equalised for the home side, who then claimed just their second win of the season thanks to Marcel Oakley’s second half strike.

A visibly emotional Murray could not hide his frustration.

“For us to produce what we did in a big part of that game bewilders me, to be honest with you,” he said.

“It is like we are playing with chains on us. There is such a fear to make a mistake. People are afraid to express themselves. When that happens, it looks like that.

“There is a perception at this level of the size of the club and that carries a weight. It carries a weight with players, with the supporters.

“It is about dealing with that and performing. It doesn’t matter whether there are 10 people here, or 3,000. That’s the bit we have to get better at.

“At the minute, we are playing with way too much anxiety. It comes across as spineless, as though people don’t care. And I know that isn’t true. I know these players well enough to know the characters they are.

“It’s a really interesting moment. We are going to find out what we are as a club.”

Stourbridge and Halesowen Town both had Saturday’s to forget as they were knocked out of the FA Trophy by late winners.

The Glassboys blew a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Anstey Nomads. Goals from Shay Willock and Jenson Sumnall had appeared to put Stour in command against their lower league hosts.

But Lewis Gibbins and Courey Grantham had Anstey level by the break, with Liam Murphy winning it at the death.

The Yeltz looked to have taken their tie with Leek Town to penalties thanks to McKauley Manning’s 81st minute strike. Yet they too were stung in the closing minutes, Liam Weir bagging the winner for the visitors.

It ended a disappointing week for Russ Penn’s team, following their FA Cup exit at Aveley.

“The lack of a cutting edge up top had bitten us on the backside again, which is disappointing,” said Penn. “But we can’t keep complaining about that because we conceded two really poor goals today.

“We have had a lot of possession in recent games, but haven’t reaped the rewards of it. This means we’ll have to change again, whether it’s the personnel or the tactics.”

Rushall are also out of the Trophy after a Maniche Sani brace earned Spalding United a 2-0 win at Dales Lane. Hednesford’s 2-0 defeat at Harborough Town completed a quartet of local exits.

Sporting Khalsa’s tough start continued as they were beaten 4-1 at Trafford in the Northern Premier League West Division.

Andre Landell was on the mark for Khalsa but by then they were already three goals down, in a match which went ahead following a late pitch inspection.

Darlaston’s home match with Bury did not survive the weather, while Chasetown’s trip to Runcorn Linnets was also postponed.

Stafford Rangers drew 0-0 with Bootle, while Lichfield City drew 1-1 at Wellingborough in the Midlands Division.