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** LATEST NEWS **
- 31 March
Bristol Rovers Preview
Harriers make their first visit to Bristol Rovers' Memorial Ground tomorrow
afternoon looking to continue caretaker-manager Ian Britton's perfect start.
The Pirates are one of four teams battling against relegation to the Conference
and, lying second from bottom, are likely to be saved only by the fact that Halifax
are so far adrift that they must win three of their last four just to catch up to
Rovers. The struggling Bristol side are also facing up to playing their last
few games without their best player, Nathan Ellington, who was sold to Wigan on
transfer deadline day.
Harriers are set to be without Colin Larkin who underwent minor surgery on
Friday to treat an abcess on his neck. Also likely to sit out the game is
assistant-manager Ian Clarkson who is still struggling with the groin injury that
he picked up in last week's reserve game against Rochdale. Bo Henriksen may
miss out, he looked as if he was still short of full fitness yesterday when he was
substituted at half time although Britton later insisted that it was a tactical
decision.
A Harriers victory tomorrow would give them their third double of the season
having won the earlier meeting at Aggborough 2-0. The full Harriers - Bristol
Rovers record can be found here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Montgomery, Smith, Stamps, Bennett,
Hinton, Sall, Foster, Williams, Broughton, Henriksen, Appleby.
- 31 March
New Manager Satisfied With Winning Start
"Its been an unbelievable week" - Ian Britton
Ian Britton was delighted to have got his career as Harriers manager off to
a winning start but played down the input that he had had, "It's been an unbelievable
week," he said, "These things happen in football and you have to get on with it.
The lads were obviously disappointed with Jan going so suddenly because he's a
great manager and he got them playing good football. All I had to do today was
pick them up and they responded beause they were really up for it".
They battled and that's all you can really ask of them. We got the result
and that was the main thing. I knew that if we kept battling away and pressing
forward we would win. If we were going to get into the play-offs we needed to
get another 15 points. We've got three today and now we need another 12.
It's going to be difficult, we are determined, every one of us, to have a go for
it".
Southend player-manager Rob Newman was disapointed not to have got something from
the game, pointing to his lack of fit strikers as a key factor, "We didn't play badly
but we gave away two bad goals. It wasn't like the 2-0s at Scunthorpe and Oxford,
though, and I think there were a few positives to come out of the game. We got
in good areas but never looked like scoring and our final ball or pass was not of the
standard I want. "It showed that we were missing all four of our strikers but
I thought Stuart Thurgood was excellent up there today".
- 30 March
Brit Makes A Winning Start
A goal in each half ensured that Harriers caretaker-manager Ian Britton started
his spell in charge with a victory, beating Southend 2-0 at Aggborough. Bo
Henriksen scored before the break and Ian Foster's tenth goal of the season wrapped
up a victory that keeps Harriers in the hunt for a place in the play-offs.
- 29 March
Southend United Preview
Caretaker-manager Ian Britton faces a tough first game in charge tomorrow when
in-form Southend United visit Aggborough.
The Shrimpers will be looking for their third consecutive victory and have lost
just once in their last six matches. They do have a number of injury problems,
however, manager Rob Newman has added two youth team players to his depleted squad -
Daniel Lunan and Anthony Clark. They have only one fit striker in Barrington
Belgrave and so veteran defender Phil Whelan may be pressed into service alongside
him. They will also be unable to call upon the services of the two players
that were signed before yesterday's transfer deadline as they were signed too late
in the day to be elligible for the weekend's matches.
Harriers have no new injury worries ahead of the game, Craig Hinton is carrying
a minor injury but will be available for selection. The biggest selection
problem Brit has is whether to go with John Danby in goal or to hand a debut to
loan signing Gary Montgomery who joined the club yesterday.
Earlier in the season the first meeting between the two clubs ended in a single
goal victory for the Shrimpers with the winner scored by one-time Harriers target
Carl Hutchings. For a complete rundown on previous encounters, click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Danby, Clarkson, Stamps, Bennett, Hinton,
Sall, Larkin, Williams, Broughton, Henriksen, Appleby.
- 29 March
Molby and Barnett Quit
Harriers boss Jan Molby last night handed his resignation to the board of directors
who reluctantly accepted it.
The big Dane is expected to take over at Hull City within the next few days. Jan
has been in charge of Harriers throughout the biggest adventure of the club's 116-year
history, that of promotion to the professional game. However, he has decided
that he has taken the club as far as he can. Chairman Colin Youngjohns said, "We
did everything in our power to keep him, but Jan clearly felt that he had taken the
team as far as he could. We would like to place on record our thanks, as Jan
made the dream of League football a reality in this town".
In his three seasons in charge, Molby has led the Harriers in 151 matches, winning
66 and losing 34 with 31 draws with Harriers scoring 205 goals and conceding 172.
A full breakdown of his record can be found here.
Assistant manager Gary Barnett has also left the club "by mutual consent" saying,
"in light of Jan Molby’s resignation I feel it is in the best interests of both the
club and myself to do likewise". It is more than likely that he will join Molby at
Hull before too long.
Reserve and youth team manager Ian Britton will step up to take charge of the team
until the end of the season with Ian Clarkson as his assistant.
- 28 March
Keeper Is Only Deadline Day Signing
Harriers' only deadline-day signing is Coventry City's young 'keeper Gary
Montgomery. The player has arrived on loan to cover for Stuart Brock who begins
a two-match suspension on Saturday. With the only other first team 'keeper John
Danby having only 25 minutes of Football League experience, a more experienced keeper
was expected and Harriers were linked earlier in the week with Northampton's Keith
Welch. Montgomery is only 19, so it remains to be seen whether it is him or
Danby who takes the number one spot.
- 27 March
Molby Still Hopeful Of Play-Offs
Despite last night's defeat a Cheltenham, Harriers boss Jan Molby still feels
that the side can make the play-offs.
The big Dane rued the chances that Harriers wasted in a first half that he felt
they dominated, "We were certainly the better team in the first half. Their keeper
has made a wonderful double save from Larkin and Henriksen. I don't know, but
I think we should have probably scored from one of those chances. It could have
been game over.
"We let them back into the game. For both goals we gave away possession under
no pressure and that's disappointing. It was always going to be difficult. I'm
disappointed because a draw would have been fair, but it wasn't to be. There are
another five games to go, 15 points to play for and I think that would get you into the
play-offs".
Cheltenham boss Steve Cotterill, on the other hand, was understandably delighted
with the victory which keeps his team in the hunt for automatic promotion, "I am absolutely
delighted not only with the result but also with the performance. I thought our
boys were absolutely immaculate in all they did tonight. It's funny because we
scored against the run of play at Halifax and I thought their goal was against the run
of play tonight. That made it even more difficult and if there was ever a night
where our players have shown character and commitment, effort, quality and great goals
tonight was the night. There is no better match than a derby match to produce a
performance like that".
- 26 March
Harriers Robbed By Robins
Once again Harriers threw away a lead to come away from the game at Cheltenham
with no points. Colin Larkin's second goal of the week gave Harriers an early
lead but a strike from Tony Naylor just before half-time brought the home team level
and then a mistake from Bo Henriksen gifted Cheltenham the winner fifteen minutes
from time.
- 25 March
Cheltenham Town Preview
Harriers face possibly their biggest game of the season so far tomorrow evening
when they travel to Whaddon Road to take on play-off rivals Cheltenham Town.
Not only are Cheltenham occupying one of the play-off positions and in a great
run of form having lost only once in the last eighteen games, but Harriers go there
possibly without a manager following the news that Jan Molby is likely to take over at
Hull in the next couple of days.
On the plus side for Harriers, however, is the shortening injury list. The
injury that Danny Williams picked up on Saturday in the game at York which led to him
being stretchered off is not as bad as first feared and he should be OK to play.
Richie Appleby didn't make the game at York but is expected to be available as are
Dean Bennett and Scott Stamps leaving Mark Blake as the only definite absentee.
Earlier in the season, the first meeting between the two sides at Aggborough ended
in a goalless draw with Eric Nixon making his debut in goal while Stuart Brock began
a three-match suspension. This match will be Brock's last before he starts another
ban. For a rundown of previous encounters, click here.
I expect Harriers to lie-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Stamps, Henriksen, Hinton,
Sall, Larkin, Williams, Broughton, Foster, Appleby.
- 25 March
Molby To Hull?
Reports in the local press suggest that Harriers boss Jan Molby will take over
as the new manager of Hull City within the next two days.
The Express & Star report that the deal is already done with The Tigers offering him
a three year contract and the chance to take his right-hand man Gary Barnett with
him. Harriers themselves, however, are insisting that there has been no official
approach from Hull and until there is they are putting no credence in the stories.
Ten days ago, the Hull Daily Mail included Molby in the list of men tipped
to take over at Boothferry Park, although Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore and Leicester
number two Micky Adams were believed to be at the top of the list. Since then, Hull
chairman Adam Pearson has stated that there are three names on his list, all are
currently managing in divisions Two and Three and all have illustrious playing careers,
in addition to Molby is Shrewsbury's Kevin Ratcliffe.
Only last week following the resignation of chairman Lionel Newton, Molby stated
his desire to remain at Aggborough, reminded people that he has never walked out on
a contract in his entire career. There is a first time for everything, however,
and if he does make the switch north, Hull wold be expected to compensate Harriers
for the remaining two years of his contract. Hull are undoubtedly a bigger
club than Harriers with greater support and far more monet for him to spend which
is sure to appeal.
Should he go, Brian Little's is a name that has been touted as a replacement while
former Walsall boss Ray Graydon knows all about working on a tight budget and could
be a good choice. Current assistant manager Gary Barnett would also be in the
frame if he didn't follow Molby out of the door, and what price a return for Graham
Allner?
- 25 March
Molby Asks For Maximum Points
"Winning was all that mattered" - Jan Molby
Jan Molby was relieved to win at York on Saturday after his team gave a less
than sparkling performance, and he acknowledged that it was one of those days when
the result was more important than the performance.
When asked after the game how many points he felt Harriers need to make the play-offs,
he replied, "Eighteen, we are not going to get any more than that are we?".
Describing the match he said, "Winning was all that mattered. There have been
plenty of games, especially away from home, when we've been excellent and come away
with nothing. This was a poor game and the pitch is the only excuse there can
be, but you can still inject some urgency and energy. Both teams couldn't
get out of first but I was delighted that the chance we got late on we managed
to put away. We bought Ducros on to give us some quality and once Larkin was
clean through we were hoping that it wasn't going to be one of those days but he
stuck it in the corner.
"Our chances are looking a bit more realistic now with six games to go, three at
home and three away. Four of our last five games have been away, so it's been tough
for the lads. But it was good to get a win at York and that will give us
confidence. We would like to maybe be a little bit closer to the play-offs, but
we're now four points away with a game in hand and anything can happen".
- 23 March
Harriers Keep Play-Off Challenge On Track
A goal nine minutes from time was enough to give Harriers victory over York
at Bootham Crescent this afternoon. Recording only their second league double
since gaining promotion to the professional ranks, Harriers moved to within four
points of the play-off spots with a game in hand.
- 22 March
York City Preview
Harriers hope to welcome back some of the injured players for tomorrow's
trip to Bootham Crescent to take on York.
Richie Appleby has been at Lilleshall all week rehabilitating after his recent
hamstring injury and could feature at some point, Colin Larkin is available again after
having no games for a week, Andy Ducros came through the Worcestershire Senior Cup
tie on Monday and the Reserve game on Wednesday with no ill effects and Scott Stamps
should be available after his groin strain. There is a doubt over Craig Hinton
who was hurt early on at Luton last week, and Dean Bennett is also still suffering
from his thigh strain. None of the recently injured players is guaranteed a
place in the starting line-up, however, as Jan Molby has stated that he is pleased
with the performances of the likes of Ian Joy and Tiny Bird who have come into the
squad in their abscence.
York have injury doubts of their own: key player Mike Procter, the on-loan
Sunderland striker, has been missing lately and faces a fitness test before the
game.
The first meeting between the clubs this season kick-started Harriers' run
towards the play-offs after a 4-1 victory with two goals from Drewe Broughton and
one each from Abdou Sall and Ian Foster. For a rundown on previous encounters,
click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Joy, Bird, Hinton, Sall,
Larkin, Williams, Broughton, Foster, Henriksen.
- 22 March
Jan Molby Guilty
The hearing into Jan Molby's charge of bringing the game into disrepute was
finally heard yesterday. The charge related to an incident during Harriers'
LDV Vans Trophy tie at Doncaster in October, Molby was unhappy with a challenge
by Rovers keeper Barry Richardson on Colin Larkin and allegedly made comments
towards the fourth official and referee.
The hearing found Molby guilty of Improper Conduct and fined him £500 but
found him not guilty on the charge of Foul and Abusive Language. The boss
also escaped a touchline ban.
- 18 March
Harriers Into County Cup Final
Harriers' team of reserve and youth players narrowly edged through to the
final of the Worcestershire Senior Cup for the fourth time in five seasons with
an extra-time victory over Solihull Borough.
Debuts were given to Inderpaul Khela, Michael Keegan, Lee Downes, Richard
Langford and Scott Lower, with Peter Faulds and Matt Lewis scoring their first
senior goals for the club. Faulds gave Harriers an early lead before Borough
equalised shortly after the break, Lewis then struck the winner nine minutes from
the end of extra-time.
- 17 March
Solihull Borough Preview
Harriers take a welcome break from League action tomorrow evening when
Solihull Borough are the visitors to Aggborough for the semi-final of the
Worcestershire Senior Cup.
With the injuries in the squad, Jan Molby is likely to give games to
some of his fringe players allowing the first choice players time to recover.
Fortunately, there are no new injuries to add to the list. Don't be
surprised to see some of the successful Youth squad, such as Inderpaul Khela,
Lee Yates or Richard Langford, involved either.
Solihull Borough are currently lying third in the Doc Martens Western
Division pushing for one of the two promotion spots although they are seven points
behind second-placed Chippenham Town. On Saturday they warmed up with
a 4-0 home win over Gloucester City, another clean sheet for former Harriers
keeper Brendan Murphy.
Harriers have a perfect record aainst the visitors, winning every game so
far. For a full rundown of previous encounters, click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Danby, Davies, Joy, Faulds, Ayres,
Sall, Bird, Williams, Corbett, Foster, Shilton.
- 17 March
Molby Not Too Downhearted In Defeat
Harriers boss Jan Molby was not too disappointed by the result after yesterday's
loss at Luton Town, and was heartened by the performance.
He said, "I thought we did okay but we didn't have quite enough going forward.
We battled hard and I think there can be no doubt that we played the better
football, even with ten men. We can take a lot of heart from this performance.
If we had have come here on top of our form with all of our players available, I
think we would have come away with all three points".
Molby revealed that he had asked referee Grant Hegley to review the sending off
of keeper Stuart Brock, "We couldn't see a lot from where we were sat but what we
did see was that referee allowed the play to continue after it's hit Brock but
then he's allowed the crowd to affect his decision. Ian Clarkson's told me
after the game he felt the ball had hit Brock's chest. I have asked the referee
to take a look at the video which he will do".
Luton manager Joe Kinnear was pleased with his side's eighth consecutive victory, "We
could have cashed in on the opportunities that we had first half. We didn't
but it's hard to look back and think of a shot they actually had in the 90 minutes.
It's another clean sheet - that's six in our last eight and eight consecutive wins.
Kidderminster came here trying to get a little bit of revenge after we caned them
at their place 4-1. They came up thinking they could turn the tables. It
could have been a different story had we taken the opportunities that we created early
on in the game. But we still look very solid at the back. Besides them pumping
long balls into the box and hoping for the best, lumping it forward and hoping that
we would make an error, I can't remember them having a strike at goal".
- 16 March
Brock Off As Harriers Lose At Luton
Stuart Brock was controversially sent off as Harriers slipped to defeat on
their first visit to Kenilworth Road. A first-half stike from Paul Hughes
was the only goal of the game, and Harriers' weakened team rarely threatened
an equaliser. Brock was sent of midway through the second half for allegedly
handling the ball outside the penalty area although the ball appeared to hit
him in the chest. Youth team keeper John Danby came on for his senior
debut in his place with Ian Clarkson being sacrificed.
- 15 March
Luton Town Preview
Harriers' injury-stricken squad face another tough trip tomorrow when they
visit in-form promotion-chasing Luton Town.
Jan Molby's squad is down to the bare bones as Dean Bennett and Colin Larkin
have both been added to the list of those who are unavailable. Tomorrow
he will be unable to call upon the services of Mark Blake (long-term achilles
injury); Andy Ducros (ankle); Richie Appleby (hamstring); Scott Stamps (groin);
Bo Henriksen (groin/hamstring); Larkin (foot); Bennett (thigh). Despite
the lack of fit players, Harriers will still make the trip south and fulfill the
fixture.
The Hatters also have a few selection problems, Joe Kinnear will probably be
without goalkeeper Carl Emberson who has been struck down by flu while Marvin Johnson
and Ahmet Brkovic are also doubtful having been out through injury recently.
Goalkeeper Stuart Brock will be hoping for a better game than in the first
meeting between the clubs earlier in the season when he was responsible for three
of Luton's for goals in a 4-1 defeat. For a rundown on previous meetings,
click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Joy, Smith, Hinton,
Sall, Bird, Williams, Broughton, Foster, Shilton.
- 15 March
Colin Youngjohns Appointed As Chairman
Harriers' Board of Directors last night unanimously voted to appoint Vice-Chairman
Colin Youngjohns into the vacant role of Chairman.
Youngjohns has been in the position of Acting Chairman since the resignation of
Lionel Newton on Monday. He is a lifelong Harriers supporter, and author of the
Harriers Centenary History in 1986, and is a man with the best interests of the club at
heart - a Harriers man and a football man. With his promotion his existing position
has been filled by director Barry Norgrove.
Speaking of his appointment Youngjohns said, "I was unanimously asked by the
remaining board members if I would assume the post of chairman in the wake of Lionel
Newton's resignation, which I have accepted. I am privileged to hold this position
though I must point out I never courted this role. It is my role now to try
and carry on the terrific work Lionel put into the recent development of this club.
"The Board will now address the financial problems we are experiencing and re-assess
the short and long- term strategy of the club. It is our objective to keep the plates
spinning, get everyone moving in the right direction and to safeguard the league
status of this club. This is an important time for the club and we have been
pleased that people have suddenly woken up to the fact that we urgently need bigger
crowds to support this club at this level of football. I would appeal for as many
people as possible to make an attempt to come along to our remaining fixtures and show
their much-needed support".
- 13 March
Jan Not A Happy Man
"The worst game you will ever see" - Jan Molby
Harriers manager Jan Molby was very disappointed with the outcome of last night's
trip to The Shay, he said, "That was probably the worst game you'll ever see in your
life. Their goal was down to bad organisation on our part and that never should
have happened.
"We didn't create a chance in the entire 90 minutes through good play. If
we had more effort, urgency and responsibility from our players tonight we should have
had more than enough to win. I'm not accusing the players of intentionally not
trying, I think it is just down to inexperience. We only had two players in the
starting eleven who were over the age of 25. I don't want to use our injury
problems as an excuse; we should have had more than enough left to beat them tonight. Tonight's
result is a massive blow to our play-off hopes".
- 12 March
Harriers Shackled By Shaymen
A desperately disappointing evening for Harriers as they are beaten by Craig
Midgley's ninth minute goal at The Shay, ending Halifax's twelve game run without
a win and seriously denting Harriers' play-off hopes.
- 12 March
Halifax Town Preview
Harriers travel to The Shay this evening for what will probably be the
last time for a while. The struggling Yorkshiremen lie at the foot
of the table, twelve points adrift of safety and with relegation to the Conference
looming.
Jan Molby will be hoping to call on the services of Adie Smith and Bo
Henriksen who both failed late fitness tests on Saturday. More likely, he
will leave them both out and stick with the same team that beat Exeter allowing
the injured players more time to recover in time for Saturday's trip to Luton.
Nothing is going right for The Shaymen at the moment, they have lost ten of
the last twelve games including the last six, they are twelve points away from
safety at the foot of the table, and their manager Alan Little is sidelined as
he recoversfrom appenditis. In his absence, Neil Redfearn is charge of
team affairs. He will be withput Craig Midgley who is suspended and Chris
Clarke who is suffering from sciatica.
Harriers have a fairly good record against Halifax, and will be looking to
complete a double over them having triumphed at Aggborough 2-0 in January with
two goals from Ian Foster. For a run-down on previous meetings, click
here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Joy, Bennett, Hinton,
Sall, Larkin, Williams, Broughton, Foster, Shilton.
- 11 March
Chairman Lionel Newton Quits
"I cannnot take the club any further" - Lionel Newton
Harriers have today been hit by the surprise resignation of chairman
Lionel Newton.
The following statement was issued through the official club
website:
A STATEMENT FROM LIONEL NEWTON
"I have decided as of today to resign as Chairman and Director
of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club as I feel I cannot take the
club any further.
"When I joined the Board in Spring 1996 the club had huge financial
debts which I personally cleared, and also in the last six years I
have been the main benefactor. During this period we have sold all
the Board sponsorship in the entire stadium which has never been
achieved before. We have also sold all the executive packages, restaurant
packages, corporate hospitality and many social functions that we
can during this period. I have improved the facilities in and around
the stadium for the benefit of the fans, staff and the football team.
This has made Aggborough Stadium one of the nicest grounds in the Third
Division.
"We have raised the profile of the club nationally by appointing
ex-Danish international and Liverpool star Jan Molby who has achieved
league status in the first year of his management. Jan has currently
built a team of players who are playing the most attractive football
this club has ever seen and are currently sitting in the top half of
the Third Division. They are only a few points from the play-off
position. This is the highest position this club has ever played at
in its entire history.
"It has been a great disappointment to me personally, in view of
the great success we have had on and off the field over the last
three years, that we have not been supported by the largest companies
in the town with any large sponsorships such as Brintons, Victoria,
Sealine and many others during this time or before. This is a great
shame as this is a local community football club mainly for the benefit
of Kidderminster people. Also our fan base has decreased by over 16%
on last year's gate attendance. This has put extra financial burden
on the club because of the budgets set of gates required of 3,500
paying fans to break even.
"I have reported through the press and media "many times" that
I have spoken to the Local MP (past and present), Dignitaries, the
District Council, the business community and the fans that unless
they get behind the team I would have to reconsider my position. It
is a great shame that it has come to this as we are the first and
only league club in the County of Worcestershire. This club has a
great Management team and deserves much better support by the total
community.
"I would like to thank my fellow Board members, Manager Jan Molby,
players, management team, volunteers, local companies, Friends of
the Harriers, Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Association
(KHISA) and hard core supporters during my time as Chairman for their
loyal support over the last six years.
"Both my wife and I have not taken this decision lightly, but now
I hope my decision will make local MP, Dr Richard Taylor, the dignitaries,
District Council, the largest companies and the floating supporters
in this town and district stand up and be counted. It would be a great
shame for this club to lose its League status through lack of commitment
and support which has taken 114 years of hard sweat and tears to
achieve.
"I sincerely wish Kidderminster Harriers Football Club every success
for the future".
Lionel D. Newton
Chairman
- 10 March
Harriers Happy With Win
"We played some exceptional stuff" - Jan Molby
There were differing feelings from the two managers after Harriers' victory
over Exeter at Aggborough yesterday. Jan Molby was delighted with the win
picked up by his depleted squad, while Exeter's John Cornforth was unhappy with
the referee.
Molby said, "We lost them [Adie Smith and Bo Henriksen] at one o'clock and
I think overall we were more than good value for the three points. In the
first-half I thought we played some exceptional stuff and they were a bit fortunate
to be only 2-0 down.
"We scored the two goals which gave us a cushion and we needed it because it
was always going to be difficult at some stage in the game. We need to keep
going and if the other teams slip up then great. But there's no doubt in my
mind that if we had have had the squad we have now from the start of the season
then we would be racing certainties for the play-offs".
Cornforth felt that Harriers' Senegalese defender Abdou Sall should have been
sent-off for the handball that gave City their penalty, "He should have been booked
and he should have been sent-off. I'm sick of talking about referees but
this one was very petty and never let the game flow.
"At the end of the day you can't come to places like Kidderminster, who will
end up in the play-offs, and give them a two-goal start. I thought my strikers
were terrible in the first-half, we didn't have a front three, and I told them
that at half-time. We came out second-half and looked a different side and
I think if we had got another just after we scored the penalty we would have gone
on and won".
- 9 March
Harriers Avoid Relegation
A brace of goals from Ian Foster and another from Drewe Broughton gave
Harriers their first victory over Exeter City and ensured that bottom-club
Halifax cannot overtake them.
- 9 March
Exeter City Preview
Adie Smith faces a late fitness test before this afternoon's crucial
Division 3 encounter with Exeter City at Aggborough.
Harriers must win this game if they are to maintain their challenge for
a place in the play-offs, the next four league games are away from home which
is where Harriers struggle most to pick up points. Provided that Smith
shakes off the knock that he picked up in training Jan Molby should be able to
name an unchanged side from the one that drew at Oxford on Tuesday None
of the other injured players are expected to ba available for some time, Scott
Stamps should be first back after picking up a groin injury against Hartlepool
last week, but the likes of Andy Ducros and Richie Appleby are further away
from fitness.
Exeter's only injury worry concerns Kwame Ampadu who picked up a calf strain
in the defeat by Rushden although he should be available.
Earlier in the season, Harriers threw away the lead to lose 2-1 at St James'
Park, for a run-down on previous encounters, click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Smith, Bennett,
Hinton, Sall, Larkin, Williams, Broughton, Foster, Henriksen.
- 6 March
Molby Disappointed With Blown Lead
"Their goal was a but lucky" - Jan Molby
Jan Molby came away from The Kassam Stadium last night happy that Harriers
picked up a point but disappointed that they were unable to hold onto the lead
and pick up all three.
He said, "It was a difficult game to analyse. For the first half Oxford
were probably the slightly better team but without creating any real chances but
in the second half we've been a little bit braver, come forward a bit more and got
a lucky goal - but I think their goal was a bit lucky as well. I would have
taken a point before the game but looking back I'm disappointed not to have won. I
am also disappointed with our performance".
Oxford manager Ian Atkins was also disappointed not to have won, "I thought
it was a good football game, end to end. I'm disappointed because we have had
so many shots, hit the bar and post three times, scored an equaliser and should have
had four or five goals by half time and been out of sight. If the ball doesn't
go in then there is always the possibility that the opposition will get one chance
and score".
- 5 March
Harriers Held At Oxford
Harriers once again failed to hold onto a lead on their travels and had to
settle for a point at Oxford. After soaking up a lot of pressure in the
first half, Harriers took the lead with a goal from Drewe Broughton, but were
pegged back late on by substitute Jamie Brooks.
- 4 March
Oxford United Preview
Harriers make their first ever visit to The Kassam Stadium in Oxford
tomorrow evening to take on Ian Atkins' struggling side.
United have not had the best of seasons since being relegated at the end
of last season and find themselves in seventeenth position, ten points behind
Harriers, when they would have expected to be challenging for promotion.
On Saturday they emulated Harriers by coming from behind to get a result,
coming back from two down to draw at Southend. Ian Atkins is likely
to stick with the same team tomorrow evening, three players - Paul Tait, Darren
Patterson and Rob Folland - are all back from injury but are not likely to figure
until after they have come through a reserve game on Wednesday.
Harriers have an injury doubt over Scott Stamps who limped out of Saturday's
win over Hartlepool at half-time with a groin strain and is likely to be out
for a couple of weeks. Ian Joy stands by, although Adie Smith slotted in
comfortably on Saturday.
Earlier in the season, the two sides played out a goalless draw at Aggborough,
for a rundown of previous encounters, click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Joy, Smith, Hinton,
Sall, Larkin, Williams, Henriksen, Foster, Bennett.
- 3 March
Molby Admits Harriers Were Lucky To Win
Harriers boss Jan Molby admitted that his side had been lucky to
come from behind to beat rivals Hartlepool yesterday. He said, "We felt
we must win this game to put pressure on the teams above us. There was
nothing that worked for us but somehow we got ourselves in front. When
they equalised I thought that was it but we pinched the game, it's as simple
as that, I feel a bit sorry for Hartlepool.
"I said at half-time we have got to apply ourselves because we hadn't done
that, we didn't want to do all the horrible work you have to do. We have
had a good week and had one or two results go for us. We need to perform
much better at Oxford on Tuesday and I know we are capable of that".
Hartlepool manager Chris Turner was furious with his team for allowing
their lead to slip an not capitalising on the chances that they created, "I'm
very disappointed in today's result. I gave them hell at half time because
we should have been six or seven nil up, without a shadow of a doubt. I
said to them at half time you can't miss chances like that and still win a
football match.
"You could expect more from Kidderminster in the second half, having
said that when we get back to 2-2 you take the point. The game was won
at half time. We scored two goals today and we should never had lost
that game and Gary Barnett said he couldn't believe it was only one nil at
half time and we should have had the game wrapped up.
"That's why I am trying to bring in players who can win us games. Gordon
Watson goes on for half an hour and shows us what's required. Players
who have played well all season have made mistakes which have cost us goals today".
- 2 March
Harriers Snatch Late Victory
A goal three minutes from time by leading scorer Dean Bennett gave
Harriers their second victory of the week, beating play-off rivals Hartlepool
3-2 at Aggborough. The visitors had taken an early lead through
Ritchie Humphreys but second half strikes from Abdou Sall and Colin Larkin
gave Harriers a lead which was cancelled out by Mark Tinkler.
- 1 March
Hartlepool United Preview
Hartlepool are the visitors to Aggborough tomorrow for another clash that
is vital for the continuation of Harriers' play-off hopes.
Jan Molby should have no new injury worries ahead of the fixture and may name an
unchanged team although Danny Williams is expected to be available to further
boost Harriers' chances. Richie Appleby is still missing, and there may
be a doubt over Dean Bennett who was replaced in the midweek win over
Shrewsbury.
Hartlepool boss Chris Turner should be able to call on striker Gordon
Watson who returns from injury. United will need their top scorer as
they look to improve upon their current away form which has seen them win
just once on the road in the last six matches.
Watson was the scorer when the teams last met, a 1-1 draw at Victoria Park. For
a run-down on previous encounters, click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Stamps, Smith,
Hinton, Sall, Larkin, Williams, Broughton, Foster, Henriksen.
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