Saturday: Banbury United (H)

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RUSS Penn wants Harriers to keep building on “encouraging signs” as they continue their season with a home clash against Banbury on Saturday.

The Reds fell to a 2-1 defeat to play-off chasing Brackley Town on Tuesday night despite an excellent second half showing.

While it was a costly home defeat, Harriers remain in a strong position in National League North after stronger form in the New Year than with which they ended 2022.

That ‘upward trajectory’ has to continue, according to Penn, who has is positive about what he’s seen from his squad in recent weeks.

It comes as Penn’s charges welcome Banbury to Aggborough at the weekend.

Managed by ex-Harriers U23s chief Andy Whing, the Puritans are a few places off the play-off picture, but largely virtue of having played so many games fewer than those above them.

Knowing that can quickly change in the weeks to come, the Harriers chief was advising caution.

He said: “They’ve got a lot of games in hand and have had a lot of games called off, so if they win those games they’re up and amongst it.

“I think they’re one of the stronger teams that have come up last season and they have a very good manager for the level.

“He has put an imprint on the team, and they have a style of play that’s very effective, so we’re coming up against a really good team on Saturday.

“But it has to be about us. Our form since Christmas has been really good, we’re third in the form charts.

“We’ve had a couple of defeats we’re disappointed about but there are really encouraging signs and if we can keep this [on an] upward trajectory, we’ll be okay.”

Commenting on the wider National League North picture and the inconsistency of the division this season, the gaffer added: “I only look at ourselves and I think we could’ve been in a much more comfortable position, but that’s being reflective and with hindsight.

“We’re eighth and eighth for a reason – not quite good enough to be where I want us to be, but we still have time to be so. It has to start quickly.”

Penn confirmed that he expects to have a Nat Knight-Percival and Alex Penny back available after injury on Saturday.

Caleb Richards is ‘touch and go’ for the Banbury clash, while striker Joe McGlynn is back at parent club Burnley for an assessment on a hip problem.

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

Issue 20 of The Harrier will be on sale throughout the ground – get a full preview of this weekend’s edition.

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.

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 – do not bring, handle or involve yourself in the use of pyrotechnics at matches or enter the field of play at any time. Enjoy the match responsibly.

Club statement on recent banning orders to supporters following antisocial behaviour

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