A look ahead to our 2 January visit to Edgar Street…
By Matty Paddock - 31/12/2021
Posted 4 years ago
RUSS Penn is expecting a very different spectacle to the FA Trophy meeting with Hereford when Harriers head back there on Sunday.
2022 introduces itself in some style at the weekend with the first game of a new year being the big local derby between the two sides.
It is, of course, not the first meeting between the two teams this season, with the FA Trophy bringing them together last month.
Harriers edged a mightily tight game on penalties at Edgar Street, with more derby fun undoubtedly laying in wait ahead, with Sunday’s game to follow and the Aggborough clash, postponed on Boxing Day, still to be re-arranged.
Looking forward, the Harriers gaffer has said he doesn’t see much use in trying to take many pointers from the Trophy tie.
“I don’t think it was a great spectacle for either team to be honest!” he told our YouTube channel.
“I think the wind spoiled the games up and down the country, and we just ground out a solid draw with them and won on penalties.
“I don’t take anything from that game, and we’ve just got to go there full strength on Sunday and look to win the game.”
The game on Sunday is a return to action for both clubs, with Hereford forced into a break due to cases of COVID-19 within the camp.
COVID also wiped out Harriers’ game at Kettering, too, meaning that Penn’s men haven’t played since the December 18 FA Trophy trip to Boston.
The Reds haven’t played a league game since the Tuesday prior to that tie and a 1-1 draw at Curzon Ashton.
Asked as to whether he expects the COVID outbreak to be an issue for Sunday’s opposition, Penn added: “It’s a local derby and I expect them to come right at us like we do with them.
“Every team in the league has had the problems and you’ve got to deal with them accordingly.
“I want to start 2022 with a bang and there’s no better place to do it [than on] Sunday, but we’re under no illusions… it’s going to be a really tough game.”
Harriers are hopeful of having a fully fit squad to choose from on Sunday, save for Cliff Moyo who is approaching the final months of recovery from his long-term injury.
The hosts will, of course, be without Elliot Bonds after he was recalled from his loan at Aggborough last week, but new signing Marcus Dinanga is in line to make his debut more than a week after joining.
Hereford have reminded Harriers fans that, whilst they can purchase match tickets on the day at Edgar Street on Sunday, buying online in advance is strongly recommended.
A large crowd is expected at the ground and those not buying in advance risk possible delays or disappointment should demand be huge.
Kick-off at Edgar Street on Sunday is at 3:00pm.
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