Saturday: Harriers v Darlington

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RUSS Penn wants Harriers to back up the good parts of the team’s last couple of weeks when the Reds host Darlington on Saturday.

Harriers face the Quakers looking to bounce back from a 4-2 defeat to Scarborough in midweek.

While the score line suggests a fairly forgettable night up north, it would be wrong to say it wasn’t a game without some brighter aspects.

So as well as working hard to rectify the defensive mistakes that proved so costly on that night, Penn is keen to ensure the side retain the aspects that served them well in the first half on Tuesday – and the two games prior for that matter.

He explained: “From the last ten days to where we were two weeks ago after Southport, I’ve got to be relatively happy with the way we’ve played, there are new dynamics to the team.

“But when you win two tough games and you back it up with a good performance [but] sloppy goals… I feel a bit deflated.

“But I’m looking forward to another bundle of games coming up.

“We’re not going to come too far away because of one defeat – it was just the manner of the goals as to concede from four set plays is quite damaging.

“What I will say is that for two out of the three games, we’ve been resolute and tough to beat and that’s why we’d come away with six points out of nine.”

Saturday sees Darlington visit, another of National League North’s promotion hopefuls.

Alun Armstrong’s men had been in superb form until a recent four-match run without a win.

They banished that mini struggle in style in midweek, though, with a decisive 4-1 thumping of AFC Telford.

Penn added: “I really like Alun and how he sets up his teams.

“He would’ve been really disappointed with last season, and I think he’d say himself that he probably underachieved.

“But he recruits really well for the level. It’s a strong squad who’ve started the season really well.

“It’ll be a good game between two good teams I hope, and we’ll be looking to win that game like we do every game.”

The boss confirmed good news on the club’s injury front – Nat Knight-Percival is undertaking very light training duties, but Joe Foulkes and Tom Owen-Evans and Jack Tolley have been back among the group this week.

Alex Penny remain the only longer-term absentee, while Kai Lissimore joined Bromsgrove Sporting on loan this week.

Kick-off at Aggborough on Saturday is at 3:00pm.

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.

Can’t purchase online? You can call our Ticket Office 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. There is an additional £3 added to admission prices (excluding Juniors) for tickets bought in this way, so please make purchases online where you can, which you can also do at any time until just after kick off.

MATCH DAY PROGRAMMES

Next up for The Harrier is another packed edition for the Darlington game, which includes all of our history with the Quakers and more of their heritage besides.

There are reports and photos from our recent games, news from across the club, our usual Kids Zone and a detailed look at the 2009-10 season in Memory Lane as we recap the arrival of Steve Burr to Aggborouugh.

Can’t make the game? You can order a copy now with FREE UK delivery.

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.

Please keep this in mind when planning your day.

Join us pre-match at refreshment huts on the main Aggborough car park (in front of the Club Shop) where Harriers players will be helping with serving and meeting supporters.

NO SMOKING

Aggborough Stadium is a strictly no smoking venue – this means smoking, including the use of vapes and e-cigarettes, is prohibited anywhere within the stadium.

SAFETY AT AGGBOROUGH

Harriers supports the campaign by The FA, the National League and others to clampdown on antisocial behaviour at football matches.

Recent antisocial behaviour at matches will not be tolerated.

Please see a statement made by the club this week.

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