St@tto's Kidderminster Harriers Diary
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** LATEST NEWS **
31 January Lincoln City Preview Weather permitting Harriers travel to Sincil Bank tomorrow looking to bounce straight back from the disappointing midweek defeat to Oxford United. Currently there is a two inch layer of snow on the pitch, but Lincoln officials are confident that the game will go ahead unless the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse. Ian Britton has a few injury problems to contend with, JJ Melligan will not be risked and Scott Stamps is not yet ready for a return to action. Adie Smith aggravated his ankle injury during the Oxford game and Kenny Coleman picked up a groin injury in training and is doubtful. Abdou Sall, who had a trial for Rushden & Diamonds earlier in the week that came to nothing, finds himself back in the squad as cover and new signings Fraser Digby and Dion Scott are likely to make their debuts. Lincoln have a number of players returning after injury and looking for a recall to the squad, Paul Morgan has recovered from a thigh injury and is likey to play while Mark Camm and Chris Ward both played for the reserves in midweek. Last Saturday The Imps were beaten 2-0 at bottom club Swansea City, a result that knocked them out of the play-off positions, previous to that they had been on a seven game unbeaten run in the league. The two teams met on opening day at Aggborough, points were shared after a 1-1 draw. Simon Weaver gave the visitors the lead but Bo Henriksen equalised, Drewe Broughton had a chance to win the game with an 85th minute penalty but saw his kick saved by Alan Marriott. To see all result of previous Harriers - Lincoln encounters, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Digby, Bennett, Shilton, Coleman, Scott, Hinton, Flynn, Williams, Bishop, Henriksen, Parrish. 31 January Brit In New Signing Frenzy Harriers boss Ian Britton has today moved to strengthen his squad and cut out the basic mistakes being made by the defence by bringing in defender Dion Scott and goalkeeper Fraser Digby. Neither player has signed a long-term contract, both have signed month-to-month deals. Digby began his career as a trainee at Manchester United before moving on to Swindon Town for whom he made 505 appearances. After he left The County Ground he saw service with Crystal Palace, Barry Town, Huddersfield Town and QPR. When his contract was ended earlier this month it was reported that he was likely to retire from the game but instead he has agreed to help out at Aggborough where he will provide competition for Stuart Brock. John Danby will now be able to play for the Under-19s and manager Britton will look to get him out on loan to get some games under his belt. Scott is a 22 year-old defender who began as a trainee at Walsall, had a loan spell at Boston United and then moved to Mansfield Town where he was dogged with injury and recently had his contract cancelled. Both players are likely to go straight into the team to face Lincoln City tomorrow. 28 January Oxford Too Strong A disappointing evening as defensive errors proved costly for Harriers who crashed to a 3-1 home defeat by Oxford United who moved up to third in the league. Harriers found themselves two down at the break thanks to goals from Steve Basham and an own goal from Craig Hinton. The normal half-time rollicking had the desired effect and the home team gave a better performance in the early stages of the second half, deservedly pulling a goal back through Sean Parrish. Just as Harriers were beginning to get on top, however, Stuart Brock dropped a clanger allowing Andy Scott to fire in Oxford's third and finish of the game. 27 January Oxford Preview Ian Britton has an almost complete squad to choose from for tomorrow evening's visit of Oxford United to Aggborough. Drewe Broughton is available for selection for the first time since Boxing Day after completing his four-match ban while Adie Smith, Ian Foster and leading scorer Bo Henriksen have shaken off problems that were afflicting them during Saturday's win over Bury. Smith tweaked his hamstring during the game and Henriksen was not at the top of his form as he was suffering from 'flu, Foster had a hand injury. Only Scott Stamps and JJ Melligan are certain to miss out through injury. Oxford enjoyed a 3-0 win over Rushden & Diamonds at the weekend, a brace from Dave Savage and a Crosby penalty saw them to victory at The Kassam Stadium. Manager Ian Atkins said, "Sometimes against sides like Rushden you have to grind a result out, and we did that. This victory will give the lads confidence". It was their first victory of the year, however, the last win was a 2-0 victory at Rushden which they have followed up with defeat at Arsenal in the FA Cup, a draw with Darlington and defeats at Hartlepool and Southend. Last season the game ended in a goalless draw, the last time Harriers beat Oxford was when they were known as Headington United in the Southern League in 1959, goals from Staples and Cotton gave Harriers a 2-0 win. For all the previous results from Harriers - Oxford games click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Bennett, Shilton, Coleman, Smith, Hinton, Flynn, Williams, Bishop, Henriksen, Parrish. 25 January Bury Shaken Harriers survived a nervous final ten minutes to record their first victory since Boxing Day beating Bury 3-2 at Aggborough. Goals from Sean Parrish and Andy Bishop gave Harriers a 2-0 lead at half time and after an hour Bishop added another to make it 3-0. A needless free kick conceded led to Ian Lawson pulling one back for The Shakers ten minutes from the end, and another free kick, this time from Steve Redmond, in the 89th minute made the game look closer than it really had been. For a team that began the day in third place in the league, Bury were one of the worst sides to visit Aggborough this season. 25 January Bury Preview High-flying Bury visit Aggborough this afternoon to face a Harriers side desperate to get back on track after two defeats in a row in the league as well as the embarrassing midweek defeat at the hands of Bromsgrove. JJ Melligan is Ian Britton's biggest worry, the midfielder has been back at Molineux getting treatment on an ankle injury that has been troubling him for some weeks. Also doubtful are Bo Henriksen, Kenny Coleman and Sean Parrish who all have minor knocks but should be OK to play, Dean Bennett and Sam Shilton both return to the squad after missing the game against Bromsgrove in the week. Drewe Broughton misses out as he completes his four game ban. Bury are likely to include striker Colin Cramb who has returned to the club that he played for in a loan spell in 2001. Missing from the squad will be Simon Whaley who has a ligament injury, and Nicky Hill, Steve Gunby and Matt Barrass who are also injured. In midweek The Shakers were knocked out of the LDV Vans Trophy by Carlisle but in the league they have one of the best away records in the division having won six and drawn four with just three defeats. The first meeting of the season between the two clubs ended in a 1-1 draw at Gigg Lane, Bo Henriksen putting Harriers ahead from the penalty spot with Jon Newby equalising for the home team. For a full rundown on previous meetings, click here. I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Bennett, Shilton, Coleman, Smith, Hinton, Flynn, Williams, Bishop, Henriksen, Parrish. Referee for the game is due to be Mike Thorpe from Suffolk. So far this season he has taken charge of nine Division Three games issuing 27 yellow cards and 1 red. One of the games who took was Harriers' 0-0 draw at Leyton Orient. 21 January Harriers Dumped Out Of County Cup A strong Harriers team were dumped out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup by Bromsgrove Rovers of the Dr Martens League Western Division after terrible finishing cost them in an incredibly one-sided match. Harriers created 30 shots at goal and gained 20 corners but were sunk by a penalty from Grant Beckett in the first half and a late Ashley Reed strike. In between Lee Ayres headed Harriers level but it was his mistake that lead to the Rovers winner. 18 January Harriers Quake Despite having the best of the game and dominating possession, poor defending saw Harriers throw away a well earned lead to lose at Feethams Ground. After a goalless first half a Bo Henriksen goal put Harriers ahead but a tactical switch by the home side saw defender Matt Clarke pushed up front where he caused untold problems for the Harriers defence. He netted the equaliser heading in a corner and then volleyed in the winner in the closing minutes. 17 January Darlington Preview The injury problems are easing and Ian Britton has an almost full squad to choose from for tomorrow's trip to Darlington to face The Quakers on Feethams Ground for the last time before they move into their brand new all-seater stadium. Only Scott Stamps and the suspended Drewe Broughton are missing which will allow the manager some choice should he decide to make changes to the team after his criticism of the defending in last weekend's defeat by Rushden at Aggborough. Darlington have selection problems too, strikers Neil Wainwright and Barry Conlon will both miss the game through suspension while Danny Mellanby sits it out with a back injury. On the plus side, Clark Keltie and Stuart Whitehead both return from suspension. Seventeenth placed Darlington are currently four games without a win, and have drawn all four, their last victory was a 1-0 triumph over Hull City in the last game to be played at Boothferry Park. Their top scorer is the suspended Conlon who has seven from 24 league appearances so far this season. Earlier in the season the teams shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Aggborough, Ian Foster giving Harriers the lead from the penalty spot only for Matthew Clarke to head an equaliser soon after. For more results from previous meetings, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Smith, Parrish, Coleman, Ayres, Hinton, Melligan, Williams, Bishop, Henriksen, Flynn. Referee for the game is due to be Eddie Wolstenholme from Lancashire. More used to taking charge in the Premiership, he has only controlled one game in Division Three between Bournemouth and Hull. In all 16 games that he has refereed he has issued 46 yellow cards and 4 red. 16 January More Squad Changes Harriers' squad shrunk further today when midfielder Daire Doyle was allowed to join Nuneaton Borough on loan for a month. With all of the other players who are already out on loan and the injuries and suspensions, the First Team squad currently numbers just sixteen players: Brock, Williams, Hinton, Smith, Bennett, Foster, Shilton, Henriksen, Danby, Ayres, Hodge, Flynn, Khela, Melligan, Coleman and Bishop. Unconfirmed reports in the media suggest, however, that Abdou Sall has walked out on Oxford United in a disagreement of payment of expenses so he may be available for the weekend trip to Darlington. 12 January Britton Demands Defensive Improvement "If we don't improve that will be our downfall" - Ian Britton Harriers boss Ian Britton admitted that Rushden deserved to win yesterday's meeting at Aggborough because they had more experienced defenders who made better decisions at cruscial times. After the game he said, "Rushden deserved it because of the way they play. They have got the players that do the right things at the right times. When it really matters, when someone has got to clear the ball, kick the ball away or head it away, we didn't do it and that cost us both goals". Despite Stuart Brock's handling error in the lead up to the second goal which brought him to the notice of everybody present, the rest of the defenders came in for criticism from the manager, " Everyone will blame Brocky for the second goal but before that Craig Hinton tried to be a ball-playing centre-half instead of booting clear and he ended up chasing Lowe and gave away a foul. It was the same story for the first goal when Lee Ayres wanted to try to get it down and play the ball rather than bashing it away. "Their centre-halves don't try to be fancy when we put them under pressure they managed to head the ball away or get a foot in. If we don't improve that will be our downfall.". It wasn't just the defence that disappointed the manager, wasted chances cost the team also, "A lot of people might say that we should have got something out of the game but I'm not so sure because if we had scored a couple of goals I don't know whether we would have gone on and won. We must have had six or seven attempts at goal but they had two and scored both. They knew they were going to get a hard game coming here and for half an hour in the second half they didn't get out of their own half. Fair play to them, Rushden have done well". Diamonds boss Brian Talbot was pleased with the win, feeling that it guarantees his side Third Division football next season, "We can sit back and enjoy things for a few days in the knowledge that we have acheived a status for next season as a Fotball League club. Later perhaps we can set some new targets". He admitted that his team had been made to work hard for the win by Harriers' second half performance, "The players can take a pat on the back for a tremendous performance. We were put to the test and it was a hard earned three points. For 20 minutes of the second half we were put under real pressure and Billy Turley pulled off two tremendous saves". 11 January Diamonds Sparkle Harriers' play-off hopes were dealt a blow when they slumped to their fourth home defeat of the season against second-placed Rushden at Aggborough. Looking like a team that had been without a game for a fortnight Harriers were off the pace for much of the first half and fell behind to a Paul Hall goal after quarter of an hour when sloppy defending left The Reds looking for an offside flag that never came. After the interval Harriers played much better and dominated the game for long spells but just when the equaliser seemed inevitable Rushden were awarded a free kick just outside the Harriers penalty area which Onandi Lowe hit straight at Stuart Brock but the keeper spilled it into the path of Hall who was left with an easy tap-in to wrap up the game. 10 January Rushden & Diamonds Preview The pitch at Aggborough has been under covers for several days and should be in tip-top condition for Saturday's visit of Rushden & Diamonds. Without a game so far in 2003 Harriers will be desperate to take to the field and see some action, the break has given some the injured players more time to recover and both Adie Smith and Sean Parrish have a chance of being involved. Definitely out is Drewe Broughton who serves the second game of his ban while JJ Melligan and Dean Bennett face fitness tests on knocks they picked up in the games over Christmas. Gary Mills will be missing for the Diamonds through injury but David Bell will return to the squad after recovering from a dead leg. So far this season the two teams have faced each other three times, once in the league and twice in the FA Cup, and Harriers have yet to win. In the League, however, Harriers have won two out of three encounters, for the full record of previous meetings, click here. I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Hodge, Shilton, Coleman, Ayres, Hinton, Melligan, Williams, Bishop, Henriksen, Flynn. Referee is due to be Bill Jordan from Tring in Hertfordshire. This will be his first Third Division game of the season, but in two Division Two games he has issued seven yellow cards and no red. 7 January Exeter Match OFF - Again! The freezing condiions have left the St James' Park surface unplayable and so for the second time in a week Harriers' trip to Exeter has been called off. No new date is available as yet. 6 January Exeter City Preview Weather permitting Harriers travel to Exeter again tomorrow evening with new signing John Hodge going straight into the depleted squad. Hodge, a 33 year-old attacking midfielder, has been training with the club for a few weeks and has signed on a non-contract basis to help the side out while the numbers are lowered with four players missing through injury and suspension and five out on loan. Previously he was with Northampton Town, Gillingham, Walsall and Swansea but actually began his professional career at tomorrow's opponents Exeter who picked him up from non-league Falmouth Town. With Drewe Broughton still suspended and Scott Stamps and Adie Smith still some way from fitness Ian Britton will also have to wait for news on the fitness of Sean Parrish, Dean Bennett and JJ Melligan. Bennett and Melligan both picked up knocks in the Boxing Day encounter with Leyton Orient that they still haven't recovered from completely despite playing in the game at Bury while Parrish is still suffering with his hamstring injury. Exeter are likely to include record signing Sean Devine in their attack after his signing from Wycombe Wanderers in the Second Division. Devine was unable to play in Saturday's FA Cup Third Round defeat at Premiership Charlton Athletic because he was not signed in time. Also missing on Saturday was loan striker Scott Partridge who is spending a month at St James' Park on loan from Rushden & Diamonds. The two sides have faced each other once already this season, a game that ended in Harriers' first win of the season - a 4-3 victory with two goals each from Lee Ayres and Bo Henriksen. The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 2-1 win for Exeter. For a complete rundown on previous games with The Grecians, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Hodge, Shilton, Coleman, Ayres, Hinton, Melligan, Williams, Bishop, Henriksen, Flynn. Referee is due to be Richard Beeby from Northamptonshire who so far this season has refereed three Division Three games, issuing four yellow cards. 1 January Exeter Match OFF Heavy rain in the South West has lead to this afternoon's game at Exeter being called off. This is third time in three seasons that Harriers have lost trips to Devon to the weather following on from the trips to Plymouth two seasons ago and the one to Torquay earlier this season. It is also the third game to fall victim to the rain this season with the Oxford game at Aggborough going the same way. As yet no date is known for the game to take place. |
