Raging Fever 2 Kidderminster Fans 5

Raging Fever put up a brave display, but were ultimately well beaten by a superior outfit from Kidderminster. The first half was a well-contested affair, with the home team defending desperately in the initial stages, before settling down and passing the ball around nicely for a while. However, just as Fever seemed to be getting the upper hand, a mistake in midfield let the Harriers through for a well-taken opener.

Oxford heads did not drop, and only a very questionable offside decision prevented a quick leveller, as Steve Fuller rounded off a good move but to no avail. When the goal did come it was equally controversial, following as it did a clear foul in the right hand corner, before the ball was played in to the middle where Fuller was again on hand to ripple the net for an equaliser which was deserved on the balance of play.

The second half also started evenly, and indeed became a little too competitive at times, but as the game wore on Kidderminster?s better organisation resulted in ever more chances, and ultimately four more well-taken goals, including a 30 yard chip of rare quality.

Fever were still playing well at times too when they kept the ball on the floor, and some good football down the left resulted in a cross which was half cleared before being struck low and very sweetly into the bottom corner from the edge of the area by substitute Nicky on his debut. However, with all the second half goals coming late in the game, this strike never threatened to make much impact on an only slightly unflattering scoreline.

The return match, in only three weeks time, may well be hard work?

RF squad ? Gary Butler, Martin Brodetsky, Mark Howland, Geoff Carter, Pat Wehmeier, Gez Foster, Paul Soper, Andy Hill, Steve Fuller, John Matthews, Andy Barr, Joel Harrison, Paul Lucas, Nicky, Daniel, Jon Brown.

Goals ? Steve Fuller, Nicky