A look ahead to this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Tamworth at Aggborough….
By Matty Paddock - 16/09/2022
Posted 3 years ago
HARRIERS hope to start another Emirates FA Cup run on Saturday, with boss Russ Penn delighted to be kicking things off with a home draw as Tamworth visit.
The Reds enjoyed one of their best runs ever in this competition last season, with a memorable journey to the Fourth Round proper.
That of course was all thanks to the win that started it all, a Second Qualifying Round success at Sporting Khalsa last autumn.
Now back at that stage as the competition begins again, it’s an even tougher first ask for Penn’s men as they play host to Tamworth, flying high in their division at Step 3.
The Lambs bulldozed their way to this stage with a 6-0 victory over Boldmere St Michaels in the First Qualifying Round.
They’ve coupled that with strong league form too – not least a dramatic late win against Basford in midweek – leaving them second in the table with just one defeat to their name all season.
A tough prospect for Harriers indeed, then, with the Aggborough chief just glad to have the opportunity to open the Cup account on home soil after a lot of early travelling last term.
He said: “I’m buzzing we’re at home, first and foremost.
“We did a lot of travelling last year in the qualifying rounds, but this game never gets any easier and this will be a tough game against a team who are flying in the league below.
“They have some good players who I know, and we’ll welcome them, but we’re looking to win the game.
“We have just got to do everything we can to be in the hat… we’ve had Tamworth watched [but] it’s all about us on Saturday, and we have to keep doing what we’re doing.
“If we do that and keep the standards where they have been, we’ll be okay.”
Harriers will remain without Tom Owen-Evans on Saturday as the summer arrival continues to struggle with the injury picked up early in the season.
It continues a tricky spell with injuries for the Reds, who have also missed even more recent arrival, Jack Bearne, with a strain in the last couple of matches.
Reflecting on Owen-Evans and injuries generally, Penn added: “It’s frustrating for an injured player and for me as a Manager.
“I just want the players back, but they’ve got to be right.
“There’s getting second opinions and seeing doctors on the side, so we need this situation right, especially for Tom as he’s going to be a big player for the football club.”
Kick-off at Aggborough on Saturday is at 3:00pm.
Should the match finish level, a replay will be held at Tamworth on Tuesday night.
MATCH TICKETS
Home and away fans are reminded that the quickest and easiest way to purchase match tickets is to do so online via our ticketing platform.
This is an all pay match – Season Ticket holders cannot use their season cards for entry and will need to purchase match ticket.
Can’t purchase online? You can call our Ticket Office during office hours on 01562 823 931 who will assist.
Fans wishing to make a purchase in person can do so up to 15 minutes after kick-off on Saturday by visiting the Aggborough Ticket Office. Admission prices rise by £3 for tickets bought in this way, (excluding Juniors) so please make purchases online where you can, which you can also do at any time until just after kick off.
TRIBUTES TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II
The FA have asked that all matches in this weekend’s Round feature a pre-match tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
As with our fixture against AFC Fylde on Tuesday, we will hold this silence prior to kick off on Saturday and also play the National Anthem in both her memory and in tribute to His Majesty King Charles III.
MATCH DAY PROGRAMMES
There’s a lot to catch up on in Saturday’s match day programme, which features extensive coverage of our guests, Tamworth, as well as heading down Memory Lane with a detailed look at our 1998-1999 campaign.
There’s also action and reaction from Tuesday’s draw with AFC Fylde plus plenty more – you can order your copy now by purchasing online for FREE delivery in the UK.
In addition, you can buy a copy at the Club Shop on Saturday, from sellers in the ground and at food kiosks.
AGGBOROUGH IS CASHLESS
All food outlets at Aggborough, as well as all sales points including the Ticket Office and match programmes and Harriers Arms, are cashless for 2022-23.
Much of the stadium was already cashless during last season and we look forward to expanding this further to help improve the overall enjoyment and efficiency of fans’ experience at Aggborough.
SAFETY AT AGGBOROUGH
Harriers supports the campaign by The FA, the National League and others to clampdown on antisocial behaviour at football matches.
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