St@tto's Kidderminster Harriers Diary
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28 DecAdam Murray ReturnsAdam Murray, who played three games for Harriers on loan earlier in the season, has signed a contract that will see him return to Aggborough and stay for 18 months. Harriers have seen off competition from a number of clubs, most notably Notts County, where he has spent the last few weeks, and Walsall. After leaving Harriers in September he admitted to having a drink problem and after a well-publicised spell in The Priory has vowed to never drink again. Returning to football he was released by his club Derby County and had brief spells with Solihull Borough and Burton Albion before returning to the Football League with Notts County. While with The Magpies he appeared in the FA Cup tie against Gravesend & Northfleet and will threfore be inelligible for Harriers' game with Woves on Saturday and will have to wait until the trip to Mansfield the following week to make his return. 28 DecHarriers Sink The PiratesA solitary goal from Dean Bennett, his first in the league this season, was enough to see off the challenge of Bristol Rovers at Aggborough to give Harriers a return of six points out of six from their Christmas games. Scott Rickards was given his first start in a Harriers shirt and showed some promise in the hour that he was on the field before being replaced by Bo Henriksen but the star of the show was Graham Ward who was at the heart of most of Harriers' best movements and supplied the cross for Bennett's goal early in the second half. Harriers dominated the game to such an extent that they could have won by four or five goals had they been more predatory in their finishing and in the end were forced to hold on right to the very end before being sure of picking up all three points. 27 DecBristol Rovers PreviewHarriers will look to make it a Christmas double when Bristol Rovers visit Aggborough tomorrow lunchtime; The Pirates, however, will not be wanting a double of their own having lost at home to Northampton Town on Boxing Day. Jan Molby has suggested that he will make changes to the line-up even though they played well and won at Yeovil yesterday. The boss is looking for more in attack from his troops and will probably switch the formation to a more adventurous one. Adie Smith looks certain to miss out after being withdrawn with an injury before half-time at Huish Park, while Andy White will play the last game of his loan spell if selected. Molby will then decide during the week whether or not to extend the big striker's stay at Aggborough; although proving popular with the Harriers faithful White may find his days numbered as Jesper Christiansen can finally complete his move on Thursday and become available for selection. Rovers boss Ray Graydon will have one-time Harriers target Andy Rammell back in his squad now that he has shaken off a hamstring injury, strike partner Lewis Haldnae will not play, however, as he is suspended. Paul Tait and Lee Hodges are also set to miss out as both of them have knee injuries. Earlier in the season Rovers won the game at The Memorial Stadium 1-0 with a goal from Lee Hodges while the corresponding fixture at Aggborough last season ended 1-1. For the other results between the clubs, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Jenkins, Stamps, Hinton, Hatswell, D. Williams, Ward, Bennett, White, Rickards, Parrish. 26 DecHarriers Splash To VictoryTorrential rain and gale force winds were not enough to prevent Harriers from ending high-flying Yeovil Town's six-game home league win sequence with a hard-fought 2-1 win. Had the rain started to fall an hour earlier, the game may not have started but it went ahead as planned and Harriers, showing four changes to the team that lost at York last weekend, matched their hosts throughout the game. John Williams' third goal of theseason gave Harriers the lead in first half stoppage-time when he turned in Matt Gadsby's cross. Yeovil's top scorer Kevin Gall equalised for the home team but Harriers showed more strength than has often been the case in similar situations this seaso and regained the lead with a goal from Sean Parrish. With most of the teams at the foot of the table also wining it was a crucial three points that keeps Harriers moving in the right direction. 25 DecYeovil Town PreviewOld Conference rivalries are renewed tomorrow when Harriers travel to Somerset to take on Conference Champions Yeovil Town at Huish Park. Yeovil have proved to be one of the surprise packages of the season, their first in the Football League, and currently occupy third place. Jan Molby has a near-full squad to choose from; Steve Burton is the most notable absentee after his loan spell was ended earlier in the week and he returned to Hull. After the disappointment of last Sunday's defeat at York he may decide to tinker with the line-up and make changes in the hpe of getting a more lively performance from The Reds. The likes of Bo Henriksen and Scott Rickards were both left on the bench at Bootham Crescent until the latter stages of the game because Molby felt that the pitch and York's style of play would not suit them, Rickards could be in line for a full debut, therefore, as could Lee jenkins who missed the York game with a knee injury. Yeovil will be without both Darren Way and Roy O'Brien who have leg and knee injuries respectively. Manager Gary Johnson will select from the same team that faced Scunthorpe United at the weekend and came from behind to win 2-1 with goals from Kirk Jackson and Andy Lindegaard. It will be the first meeting of the two clubs since Harriers' Championship winning season of 1999-2000, back then the game at Huish Park ended in a 1-0 win fot The Glovers. Full all of the previous meetings between the clubs, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Smith, Stamps, Hinton, Hatswell, D. Williams, Bennett, Jenkins, White, Rickards, Shilton. Referee is due to be Grant Hegley from Bishop's Stortford, another card waver who has shown 44 yellows and 3 reds in 15 games this season. In Division Three he has been in control of 4 games showing 7 yellows and 1 red; the red card was shown to our own Adam Willis in the game at Cheltenham back in August. 21 DecLacklustre Harriers Give York Early PresentHarriers gave one of their most disappointing performances of the season at Yorl's Bootham Crescent, losing to the only goal of the game and suffering their first away defeat in the league since losing at Huddersfield on September 30. Christmas came early for The Minstermen who would not have been able to believe how easily they were able to dominate the game. In the first half Harriers did not muster a single shot at goal and were lucky not to be behind at the interval when Jon Parkin's looping header almost crept over Stuart Brock. The usual Harriers schoolboy defending allowed Lee Bullock to score the only goal of the game early in the second period. Harriers had a little more possession in the second half but were unable to do anything with it and it was not until the last minute that they got a shot on target but Matt Gadsby's header was cleared off the line. 20 DecYork City PreviewFor once Jan Molby is in the fortunate position of having a number of options in attack as Harriers prepare for tomorrow's game at York City. The biggest problem facing a Harriers team looking to build upon last week's victory over Leyton Orient is the weather; severe weather is expected in the north tomorrow - heavy snow is likely and the game could be in doubt. Scott Rickards could come into the team following his succesful debut as a substitute in the Orient game and take a place in the starting line-up alongside Andy White but it is likely that Molby will keep the formation that started that game rather than the one that finished it. The attacking shape of the team with three men in attack and a fourth just behind them may prove to be too cavalier for a game away from home and White may find himself alone up front with Dean Bennett just behind him. Sean Parrish and Graham Ward are back in the squad, Parrish after shaking off injuries and Ward after returning from international duty with the Irish Under-20 squad. Adam Willis is back at the club after his loan spell at Burton but he will not figure after picking up minor injuries in a car crash. York manager Chris Brass is likely to recall veteran midfielder Mitch Ward to the side; he has been suffering from a calf strain but played for the Reserves in midweek and suffered no ill effects. Also playing in that game were Stuart Wise and Christian Fox and they could also feature. Two players who will not be involved are Richard Hope Matthew Coad who are suspended. Striker Liam George is also a doubt as he is injured while Aron Wilford has been loaned to Worksop Town. Last season the game at Bootham Crescent was a dour encounter that ended in a goalless draw. For results of all games between the clubs, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Smith, Stamps, Hinton, Hatswell, D. Williams, J. Williams, Gadsby, White, Bennett, Burton. Referee will be Paul Taylor from Cheshunt. So far this season he has been in the middle of 18 games, issuing 64 yellow cards and 10 red. In the Third Division he has shown 12 yellow cards and two red in just three games. 15 DecMolby Satisfied With Continued Improvement"A shocking goal to concede" - Jan Molby Jan Molby was a relieved man after Saturday's win over Leyton Orient at Aggborough, accepting that the performance was not the best but the result was everything, speaking after the match he said, "I don't think by any stretch of the imagination we played well in the first half but we still could gave had five or six goals - I'm talking about real chances. Dean Bennett had two one-on-ones and we had other chances, but it was a shocking goal to concede and that gave us a massive job to do. "Again we had opportunities in the second half and eventually we got the goal. To go one-nil down and to bounce back is difficult, especially when you are in the position we are in. In the end I thought we deserved to go in front and in terms of chances we certainly deserved to win. That's one defeat in seven and things are progressing as well as we could have expected" Orient boss Martin Ling was not happy with the performance of his side, "In terms of chances they created a lot more. We didn't work their goalkeeper anywhere near enough and in fact I think he only had one shot to save whereas ours worked overtime and it was Glenn Morris that kept us in the game." 13 DecA Home Win At Last!!Despite falling behind to a soft goal inside the opening ten minutes, Harriers came back to win at Aggborough for the first time in two months in the League, recording just their third home win of the season. Jan Molby used the same team that won at Woking last weekend and left his two new signings - Scott Rickards and Lee Jenkins - the bench. Orient's young defender Gabby Zakuani headed the O's ahead after the Harriers backline turned into a row of dustbins when defending Justin Miller's long throw. Harriers were never at their best but created a string of chances and could have had the game wrapped up before the interval. They were thwarted, however, by the form of Glenn Morris in the visitors' goal and by some poor finishing. They drew level when Mark Peters headed a Matt Gadsby cross into his own net. After the break Molby tried a more attacking approach, throwing on Bo Henriksen and Scott Rickards and playing three men up front with one just behind them. The chances continued to flow and eventually Craig Hinton found Henriksen in space and the Dane crossed for Gadsby to volley in the winner. Rickards showed glimpses of the promise that tempted Molby to part with hard cash to bring him to Aggborough, pace looked to be one of his strengths and he wasn't afraid to try a shot from distance that almost brought him a debut goal. 12 DecThe Return Of The Friday SigningsFor the first time since he returned to the club Jan Molby unveiled signings on a Friday, in the same fashion as former boss Ian Britton. Lee Jenkins and Scott Rickards today arrived at Aggborough to bolster the squad; hopefully they will focus the minds of the other players on the next four league games ahead of the distraction of the FA Cup by bringing some competition for places. Jenkins, 24, has come from Swansea City, signing an 18-month contract, where he played under Molby as a youngster. He has played at right wing-back for The Swansea well as in midfield which is where Molby expects to use him in the Harriers team, telling the Official Website, "He’s not afraid to get stuck in and do the ugly jobs that aren't often appreciated. I think at times we have been too easy to play against, hopefully Lee will toughen things up for us." Rickards, 22, has also signed an 18-month agreement, joining from Conference side Tamworth after a protracted chase. Molby expressed an interest some time ago and made an offer for the player a week ago which was turned down flat by Lambs boss Darron Gee. Harriers' success in the FA Cup has given Molby a little more flexibilty and allowed him to go back with an improved offer which was accepted, the deal also includes a sell-on clause. Also, the extra funds generated by the cup run mean that Moby is still looking at other players with Adam Murray and Richie Appleby believed to be at the top of his shopping list. New striker Jesper Christiansen will arrive at Aggborough on Monday to train with the team although he will not be able to complete his transfer until the transfer window opens on January 1. 12 DecLeyton Orient PreviewAfter all of the furore over cup tickets throughout the week it's back to the far more important business of playing football tomorrow. Leyton Orient are the visitors to Aggborough for the first of four crucial Division Three games and it is to be hoped that the players are not distracted by the FA Cup and can get their minds back on the job at hand. Boss Jan Molby said that at least two new signings would be here in time for the game and this morning they arrived; First 24-year-old Lee Jenkins signed an 18-month contract after leaving Swansea City and then Scott Rickards was finally signed from Tamworth for an undisclosed fee; both players go into the squad for tomorrow's match. There are a few players in the squad with minor knocks, but none of them are serious enough to suggest that the players involved won't be available for selection; Bo Henriksen has a hamstring strain, John Danby a muscular problem while both Kenny Coleman and Sean Parrish have stomach and groin trouble. Many players have been mentioned as transfer targets this week: Tamworth initially turned down Molby's offer for Rickards, manager Darron Gee describing it as "derisory" but an agreement has now been reached; along with Jenkins was his Swansea colleague Jon Coates but Molby has only admitted an interest in Jenkins. Also linked with moves to Aggborough are former Harriers Adam Murray and Richie Appleby. Danish striker Jesper Christiansen is due to join up with his new teammates on Monday but cannot complete his transfer until the transfer window opens on January 1, while Murray is being chased by a number of clubs both at home and abroad, he is due to make a decision by the end of this week. Martin Ling faces his biggest problem in the centre of his defence; key players Greg Heald, Simon Downer and David McGhee all have long term injuries and will not play until next year. Heald underwent surgery on a hernia earlier in the week, McGhee and Downer should get back into training next week but are still a long way off first team action. Harriers won the corresponding fixture last season, on Boxing Day, 3-2 twice coming from behind with goals from Dean Bennett and Sam Shilton cancelling out two from Jabo Ibehre before Bo Henriksen popped up with one of the gaols of the season to win the game. For all of the previous results between the clubs, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Smith, Burton, Hinton, Hatswell, D. Williams, J. Williams, Jenkins, White, Rickards, Bennett. Referee is to be David Crick from Surrey. So far this season he has taken control of 18 games and issued 36 yellow cards and two red. In the Third Division he has shown six yellow cards in five games. Last season he was in charge when Harriers won 5-2 at Exeter City. 7 DecHarriers Handed Home DerbyThe similarities with ten seasons ago continue with today's FA Cup Third Round draw. The last time Harriers reached this stage of the competition they beat Woking in Round 2 and then pulled out a local derby; this time they have beaten Woking in Round 2 and pulled out local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. The tie will take place at Aggborough on Saturday January 3, forcing the league derby with Cheltenham Town to be re-arranged, unless either of the TV companies Sky or BBc take the unlikely step of showing the game on live TV. There are a number of ties that are more likely to appeal to the TV bods such as Leeds agaisnt Arsenal, Aston Villa v Manchester United, Crewe v Telford and Yeovil v Liverpool. However, as Harriers are now the team that Football Focus are following, the BBC will have more of an interest than they might usually have done and we could get highlights on Match Of The Day. 6 DecDeano At The DoubleTwo goals from Dean Bennett and one from Steve Burton saw Harriers £15000 richer and safely into the Third Round of the FA Cup for only the second time. A thoroughly professional performance saw the Harriers contain their hosts and stop them playing as they may have hoped. There was a great start for Harriers when Bennett scored the first of his brace in the fifth minute to ease the pressure and silence the home crowd. Woking looked dangerous on the break in the first half but Harriers had the best of the possession and still had their lead when they went in at the break. The home team applied more pressure after the interval but Bennett added a second just after the hour to make the game almost safe and ten minutes later a swift counter-attack ended with Burton sweeping the ball in to wrap up the game and spark a mass exodus of Woking fans. 5 DecWoking PreviewHarriers meet up with old friends from the Conference tomorrow when they travel to Kingfield to face Woking and try to get into the Third Round of the FA Cup for just the second time in their history. Jan Molby has a full squad to choose from with no new injuries or suspensions as here prepares to choose his team. An unchanged team is likely as both on loan players - Steve Burton and Andy White - have been given permission to play in hte game by their respective clubs and Molby has been out of luck in his efforts to bring in new players. He has, however, revealed that two new players are likely to be at Aggborough in time for next week's game against Leyton Orient. The Cards have run into a patch of form since the draw was made; after knocking out Histon in Round One they have won four and drawn one of their next five games. They are also the team that BBC One's Football Focus are currently following on the Road To Cardiff, so the game will be previewed on the programme tomorrow lunchtime. Glenn Cockerill, the Woking manager, will be without just one player - Michael Johnson - who is cup-tied while goalkeeper Scott Bevan, currently on loan from Southampton, has been given permission to play. The last time the clubs met was in the Conference in April 2000, Woking one the game 1-0 but Harriers clinched the title as Rushden dropped points in their game. The clubs also met the last time Harriers reached the Third Round, and also in Woking's epic run three years previously when they went on to knock out West Brom. All previous encounters can be found here. I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Smith, Burton, Hinton, Hatswell, D. Williams, J. Williams, Gadsby, White, Bennett, Parrish. |
