A look to Saturday’s FA Trophy clash with St Albans City
By Matty Paddock - 18/11/2022
Posted 3 years ago
JIMMY O’Connor is excited for the challenge of starting an FA Trophy run as Harriers head for ST Albans City on Saturday.
The Reds made plenty of headlines in the FA Cup last season but a sustained run in The FA Trophy has eluded the club for many years.
While the primary focus, as O’Connor says, is always success in National League North, there’s a lot to be said for a journey in the prestigious competition that has sent many a Step 2 club to Wembley over the last number of seasons.
With Harriers also looking to revive their recent form after a difficult run, O’Connor knows that a date in the Trophy might well be perfectly timed this weekend.
He explained: “I’ve said all along that that’s the aim for us this season, to be successful in the league and finish as high as possible.
“But, with the way things are going at the minute, this could be a positive for us as well.
“We’ve watched St Albans plenty of times now. They’re a good side, a good footballing team and it will be a good challenge for us.
“Maybe without the added pressure of trying to get points on the board, it might be a blessing, but time will tell.”
It has undoubtedly been a tough run of results for the team over the last few weeks, but it’s obvious there is a determination and plenty of hard work going into putting that right.
“It always starts with the next game,” adds O’Connor.
“We’re hugely disappointed [with] the last month – we’ve had a tough time.
“There are no excuses; we are where we are – we don’t hide away from it; we don’t shy away. There’s no point. You can only focus on what’s in front, try and learn from the mistakes as quickly as possible and learn from things that have gone against us.
“Ultimately, it comes down to us and the players to change the fortunes.”
Harriers will assess Shane Byrne (back) after the skipper missed Saturday’s trip to King’s Lynn with injury, but Alex Penny and Nathaniel Knight-Percival remain out.
New loan signing Tom Billson is eligible to feature on Saturday, but fellow arrivals Paddy McLaughlin and Reiss McNally will need to wait until Tuesday’s trip to AFC Telford for a possible debut.
Saturday’s Trophy tie against a St Albans side enjoying a good season in National League South must be settled on the day – a result will be determined by penalties if scores are level at full time.
Fans are reminded that St Albans are cashless and that match tickets – which can be purchased in advance online – must be paid for by card.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 3:00pm
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