St@tto's Kidderminster Harriers Diary
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** LATEST NEWS **
31 October Flynn Sings Harriers Praises "The Best We've Faced" - Brian Flynn In the face of criticism from his own supporters after Tuesday night's thrashing at the hands of Harriers, Swansea manager Brian Flynn magnanimously rated The Reds as the best side his team has faced this season. Speaking to the Official Swansea City website after Tuesday's game he said of Harriers, "They are probably the best side we've played so far and I would have said that whatever the score, but there wasn't many positives for us. I always try to talk about positives but it was the case that there were too many negatives. We can't do anything to change what happened, we've got to take it and respond in the right way." Harriers manager Ian Britton was taken aback by the reception given to his players by the Swansea crowd at the end of the game, "I know that I haven't been in professional management too long," he said, "but the reception we got from the Swansea fans during and after the game was unbelievable". He was also very pleased with the performance of his team, "I thought we played very well, especially in the second half, I thought at times we were awesome". 29 October Awesome Harriers Harriers' good form continued with a scintillating 4-0 victory over Swansea City at The Vetch Field to climb into second place in the league, their highest ever position. The struggling Swans were no match for Harriers who led by a single Sam Shilton goal at the break which could have been added to by both Drewe Broughton and Bo Henriksen. After the interval Harriers found another gear and an own goal by Andy Mumford and another strike from JJ Mellign came either side of the first goal of the season for Drewe Broughton. By the end of the game the home support were cheering the Harriers and gave them a standing ovation when they left the field at the end of the game. 28 October Swansea City Preview Harriers head to South Wales tomorrow evening looking to continue the climb up the Third Division table when they take on struggling Swansea City at The Vetch. Danny Williams is the major new doubt for Harriers, he was withdrawn from Saturday's win over Cambridge in the second half with a dead-leg. Adie Smith and Scott Stamps are also likely to miss out again, Smith with a hamstring problem and Stamps with his back injury. Swansea manager Brian Flynn has been boosted by the news that James Thomas, the clubs' leading scorer with with seven goals from twelve league games, will be available after suffering from cramp late in Saturday's draw with bottom club Carlisle. That point was enough to lift The Swans out of the relegation zone at the expense of Exeter City. Swansea have only won once at home since the end of August, a run of five matches that ended with victory over Southend thanks to a 52nd minute penalty from Thomas. Last season's encounter was one of several where Harriers gained an early lead only to lose, Bo Henriksen's first half goal being cancelled out before the break by Chris Todd and in the second half Neil Sharp hit the Swansea winner. For a full record of previous encounters, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Bennett, Shilton, Coleman, Ayres, Hinton, Melligan, Flynn, Broughton, Henriksen, Parrish. Referee for the game is due to be Brian Curson from Leicestsershire. 26 October Harriers Flying High Harriers soared to third place in the league with a well-earned 2-1 victory over Cambridge United in the first meeting of the clubs. JJ Melligan was the star of an all-round team performance with both goals either side of David Kitson's goal for the visitors. Both sides played their part in an entertaining first half which could have seen more goals. The second half was quieter but Harriers desrvedly gained all three points to move into the automatic promotion places. 25 October Cambridge United Preview It's back to league action tomorrow when Harriers face one of their stiffest tests of the season so far in the shape of Cambrisge United. United are the top scorers in the division having scored in every game and come to Aggborough with a five game unbeaten run in the league as well as having made progress in the LDV Vans Trophy in midweek by beating Rushden 4-0. John Taylor, the Cambridge manager, has a full squad to choose from including several of his fringe players such as Francesco Nacca and Daniel Chillingworth who are pressing for inclusion after performing well in the game against Rushden. Ian Britton's selection will depend on the fitness of Adie Smith and Scott Stamps. Smith hurt a hamstring in the win over Dagenham while Stamps is still suffering with the back problem picked up at Shrewsbury. Definitely out are Mark Blake and Abdou Sall, although Sall is expected to resume full training with the reat of the squad after the weekend. This is the first meeting of the two clubs, therefore no previous results to see. I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Doyle, Shilton, Coleman, Ayres, Hinton, Melligan, Williams, Broughton, Henriksen, Flynn. Referee for the match is due to be Alan Butler from Nottinghamshire. 22 October Daggers Blunted Harriers cruised into the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy with a comfortable 3-1 win at Victoria Road this evening. First half goals from JJ Melligan and man-of-the-match Sam Shilton and one just after the break from Dean Bennett rounded off a thouroughly professional performance although in the second half Harriers eased off and Dagenham pulled a goal back through Mark Janney. 22 October Dagenham & Redbridge Preview Harriers have another stab at cup glory this evening when they visit old Conference rivals Dagenham & Redbridge in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy. Ian Britton has two new injuries to consider before making his team selection, Scott Stamps who picked up a back injuryat Shrewsbury and Drewe Broughton who has nine stitches in a head wound from the same game. Although he oughtn't play with a head injury, the big striker is keen to be involved. Gary Hill the Dagenham boss is likely to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Northwich Victoria at the weekend, two players are missing from the squad through suspension - Mark Stein and Ashley Vickers - while Paul Bruce and Lee Gooedwin are both injured. It is a while since the two clubs have met, the last encounter being a 5-1 win for Harriers that included a Lee Hughes hat-trick. For a complete rundown of results, including games against Dagenham and Redbrige, Redbridge Forest and Dagenham, click here. I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Coleman, Smith, Ayres, Hinton, Williams, Melligan, Flynn, Broughton, Henriksen, Shilton. 22 October The Taming Of The Shrews Harriers recorded their first win at Gay Meadow as a Football League side in a thrilling local derby that ended in a 3-2 victory. Bo Henriksen gave Harriers a great start with a fifth minute strike that was cancelled out by Ryan Lowe. The dangerous Luke Rodgers gained a penalty for Shrewsbury but Stuart Brock saved Nigle Jemson's kick. The Shrews took the lead shortly before the break with another Lowe strike, but in stoppage time Harriers struck back with a free-kick from Danny Williams that defelected of the end of the wall. After the break, Harriers winner was scored by David Artell the Shrewsbury defender who headed a Sam Shilton cross into his own net. 18 October Shrewsbury Town Preview Ian Britton will be looking for his troops to bounce straight back from last week's defeat against Macclesfield when Harriers take the short journey north to Gay Meadow. Harriers have a number of fitness worries, Mark Blake and Abdou Sall are both definitely out, Craig Hinton, Lee Ayres, Sean Parrish, and loanee Kenny Coleman have all picked up hamstring strains during the week and are all doubtful while Dean Bennett hasn't fully recovered from the virus that kept him out last weekend. Returning to the squad, however, is striker Drewe Broughton having served his suspension for accumulated bookings. Shrewsbury boss Kevin Ratcliffe also has an injury list to contend with as he tries to end his team's poor run at home where they have lost the last two games. Key men Sam Aiston and Steve Jagielka are long term injury victims and will not feature, leading scorer Luke Rodgers is not fully fit but has been playing with a groin strain and he will look forward to facing Harriers, he scored a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture last season. Harriers have a poor record in this fixture since joining the Football League, losing both without scoring a goal and last season's game was one of the worst Harriers performances of the campaign ending in a 4-0 defeat. For a full rundown of previous encounters, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Hinton, Shilton, Coleman, Ayres, Stamps, Melligan, Williams, Broughton, Henriksen, Flynn. Referee for the match is due to be David Pugh from Merseyside. 15 October Friendly Draw At Wolves Harriers played a friendly against Wolves at their training ground this morning, giving a run-out to some of the players not in the team at the moment and held their higher division opponents to a 1-1 draw. Harriers' goal was scored by Matt Lewis in the eighteenth minute to give The Reds a half time lead which was cancelled out by Ashley Vincent with twenty minutes remaining. Harriers: Danby, Doyle, Shilton, Smith, Khela, Stamps, Ducros, Flynn, Lewis, Broughton, Parrish. Subs: Lower (Doyle), Williams (Flynn), Joy (Stamps), Foster (Lewis), Henriksen (Broughton). Wolves: Oakes, Flynn, Naylor, Ward, Lowe, Townsend, McGrain, Watson, Proudlock, Cameron, Ndah. Subs: Goodhead (Flynn, 64), Mahon (Naylor, 79), Watson (McGrain, 46), Vincent (Watson, 20), O'Connor (Cameron, 76), Mulligan (Ndah, 76). 12 October Sewn Up By The Silkmen Harriers' nine-game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end after their worst performance of the season resulted in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Macclesfield. After the highs of last weekend's victory over Hull City it was more of a case of "after the Lord Mayor's Show" as Harriers gave a flat performance and allowed the visitors to run the game. It took Macclesfield thirty minutes to take the lead, but by then they had wasted a string of chances, a needless free kick on the edge of the Harriers penalty area led to Michael Welch drilling a low shot that Stuart Brock could only get a hand to before it nestled in the bottom corner. Macclesfield had the ball in the net in the opening minutes of the second half but Kyle Lightbourne's effort was ruled out for offside. Lightbourne turned provider for the second goal scored by substitute David Eaton with his first touch. 11 October Macclesfield Town Preview Harriers will have an almost complete squad to choose from tomorrow when Macclesfield Town are the visitors to Aggborough. Only missing are long-term injury victim Mark Blake, and "mystery" injury sufferer Abdou Sall. The big defender has recently spent time at Lilleshall in order to recover from the ankle problem that has kept him out of the side since the game against Exeter on August 24. Neither Jimmy Conway or the specialists that he has seen can establish the problem, leading to speculation questioning his desire to play for the club. Also missing is Drewe Broughton who is suspended after accumualting more bookings than any other player in the Third Division. Former Conference rivals Macclesfield come top Aggborough in indifferent form having won three and lost three of their last six matches. They have managed victories over supposed "big" teams Bristol Rovers and Hull City, but they have also been beaten by Southend and Rochdale away and Scunthorpe United at Moss Rose. Injuries have been a problem, neither Steve Hitchen or top scorer Kyle Lightbourne are fully fit but both are expected to play. The Chrises Priest and Byrne will both be missing from the midfield, and Andy Welsh has also been lost as his club Stcokport have recalled him from his loan spell with The Silkmen. Harriers have a fairly good record against Macclesfield, last season the corresponding fixture ended in a 1-0 win for Macclesfield, however. For a complete run down on previous metings, click here. I expect Brit to keep back new signing Kenny Coleman and line-up as follows: Brock, Smith, Shilton, Hinton, Ayres, Stamps, Melligan, Williams, Foster, Henriksen, Flynn. 11 October Harriers Put Final Nail In Molby's Coffin Last Saturday's game at Aggborough was the last one in which Jan Molby will lead Hull City. That result, part of a terrible run which has seen The Tigers win just two of the seventeen matches since Molby took over, was too much for Adam Pearson the Hull Chairman and yesterday he sacked the big Dane. Named in his place is fans' choice Peter Taylor, the former Leicester City manager who will take charge for tomorrow's game with Rochdale at Boothferry Park. 10 October Clyde Leaves, Coleman Arrives On loan defender Mark Clyde has played his last game for the club after being recalled by Wolves. He was unavailable for the forthcoming game against Macclesfield anyway as he is away on international duty but Wolves have called him back to cover for captain Paul Butler who is suspended for their game against Stoke. JJ Meligan has had his loan extended for a further month and joining him at Aggborough is another Irish international defender Kenny Coleman who has yet to make the breakthrough into the First Team at Molineux. 5 October Tigers Tamed Harriers stretched their unbeaten league run to nine games this afternoon with a well-deserved victory over former manager Jan Molby and his Hull City side. The game was not as close as the 1-0 scoreline might suggest, visiting goalkeeper Paul Musselwhite making a series of saves to keep his side in the game. Harriers' winning goal came on the hour from Bo Henriksen, his fifth of the season, after The Tigers failed to properly defend a free-kick. Drewe Broughton came close to opening his account for the season, finding the net after just 29 but he was ruled offside. Molby received a hostile reception from the Harriers supporters who used to worship him, and the increased numbers - 3787 turned up - created an excellent atmosphere inside the ground. His team were very disappointing and the pressure continues to build on him to turn his side's season around and lead them towards the expected automatic promotion. Rumour on various Hull City websites suggests that the big Dane is ready to walk away from the club in the next few days. Harriers' victory takes them up to eighth in the league, their highest position of the season. 4 October Hull City Preview Harriers boss Ian Britton has an almost complete squad to choose from for tomorrow's eagerly anticipated visit of former boss Jan Molby and his Hull City side. Adie Smith returns to the squad after shaking off injury and is joined by Sean Parrish although he is unlikely to feature this weekend. This leaves only long-term absentees Mark Blake and Abdou Sall on the sidelines. Sall was thought to be close to a return to training last week but is still out and it is unclear when he will return from his ankle problem. Fortunately, the centre of the defence is currently an area where Harriers are not short of players and can afford to wait for him. Former Harriers boss Molby is guaranteed a hot reception on his first return to Kidderminster since he conroversially walked out on the club last March. It won't bother Molby that he isn't welcomed back with open arms, he will just ignore the abuse and continue to treat the Harriers fans in contempt feeling as he always has that he is bigger than them or the club or the game. After having a poor start to the season in which The Tigers have managed just two victories in eleven games, Molby has made a number of signings including the loan capture today of Wolves striker Michael Branch. Already this season he had brought in the likes of Stuart Green, Stuart Elliot, Phil Jevons, Dean Keates and Shaun Smith. Despite the expenditure, they currently lie sixteenth in the league four points behind Harriers. The last six games have been their best under Molby in terms of points gained, but they are still three games without a win having drawn the last two, against Swansea and at Oxford and lost the previous one at home to Macclesfield. The two wins this season came back-to-back in the games at Cambridge and at home to Carlisle. The corresponding encounter last season saw a comfortable Harriers victory, goals from Bo Henriksen, Colin Larkin and Dean Bennett ensured a 3-0 win. For all of the results from previous encounters, click here. I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Hinton, Shilton, Clyde, Ayres, Stamps, Melligan, Williams, Broughton, Henriksen, Flynn. |
