I settled for Russell as today's Olembé replacement—the winger shifted flanks, with Shuker dropping from attack to right midfield. Gowling kept his place, but was in a delicate "one more mistake and you're out" situation, while Koroma returned to the starting eleven to lead the attack. Pacquette took a place on the bench for the first time. I also opted to bring Power back in for Atkinson, who reverted to the bench—I'd like to see more creativity in the midfield.
Rui Marques got singled out as our key man. His influence has clearly played a part in our excellent defensive record—eight goals conceded in eight games.
The match started out evenly, with neither side making much headway. Then in the 10th minute Marques lost an aerial contest with Williams, who knocked the ball down to Bradshaw. The Kidderminster forward left the out-of-position Gowling for dead with a great change of pace, then raced to the edge of the area and fired past Anyon. It was a slight deflection from Gowling that sent the ball beyond our keeper's grasp.
One down so early in the game was not how I'd anticipated things proceeding. I told the boys to push forward, pressing for an equaliser.
It nearly came on 17 minutes, when Shuker's corner met the head of an unmarked Josh Gowling. But the defender couldn't keep it down, and the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar.
On 22 minutes, Koroma was unlucky not to get through on goal after a defensive error.
Christophe went down injured in the 34th minute. He was able to continue, but I had concerns that the injury might be impeding his play.
Koroma made a great run down the right wing in the 37th minute. Dribbling to the byline, he cut the ball back perfectly into the path of Barnes-Homer—who made no mistake. 1-1 at the break.
Gowling redeemed himself in the 56th minute, climbing above Marshall to head home a Shuker corner. We'd turned it around, from a goal down to a goal up. I looked immediately at my options for how to stay in front.
The first point order was shifting our tactics to an emphasis on counter attack and keeping possession. I also subbed the disappointing Nutter off for Park.
Barnes-Homer doubled our lead on the hour mark, thanks to an incisive breakaway. Power won the ball on the edge of our own area, splaying it forward to Russell, whose through ball was chased down by Koroma. Running at full pelt, Koroma passed low across the area, and Barnes-Homer had all the time in the world to tap in at the far post.
With an eye to the midweek fixture, I took Power off for Atkinson immediately afterwards. The substitute nearly added a fourth on 70 minutes, as he found himself in acres of space outside the Kidderminster penalty area and fired a powerful shot at goal. The placement wasn't good enough, however, and Lewis saved easily.
I made another substitution on 72 minutes. Shuker, who had played well despite looking short on confidence, made way for Pacquette, with Koroma dropping to the wing. I wanted to make sure Shuker would be fit to start the midweek game.
Both sides created a few more chances as the match approached its end, with Koroma especially dangerous, but no more goals were scored. We took it out 3-1. Barnes-Homer's brace earned him man of the match, although for me Koroma was the stand-out performer.
We're third, five points behind league leaders Mansfield, three points above 4th and 5th placed Telford and Grimsby.
2,550 people attended the match—more than expected, but still pretty awful. Maybe our continuing success will bring some more fans in for the next home game in two weeks.
Christophe damaged his elbow; he'll be out for three weeks. I hope Atkinson can fill his shoes as our ball-winning midfielder.
Ian Gardner reported on Tamworth's utility man Tendayi Darikwa. I don't think we'll be going after him at any stage soon.
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