A look ahead to Saturday’s Aggborough clash with AFC Telford…
By Matty Paddock - 14/04/2023
Posted 3 years ago
JOE Leesley has sounded a warning as Harriers welcome already-relegated AFC Telford United to Aggborough on Saturday.
The Bucks saw their tenure in National League North come to an end recently after a season of struggle at the foot of the table.
It came as a surprise to many, with their squad boasting plenty of quality and experience and having been managed by decorated non-league chief Kevin Wilkin for much of the term.
Leesley echoed those sentiments and expects a Telford side likely to welcome some big players back from suspension this weekend to prove a tough nut to crack in DY10.
“It’s a local derby and there will be a good crowd,” Leesley said in an interview to preview the game. “We’ve always had good crowds each home game.
“It will be pressure on us as we need to win the game to keep our season alive.
“Telford are playing with a bit of freedom, and they’ve got a good manager, and a good team.
“They’re probably not a bottom-of-the-table team on paper, so if they turn up on the day, they could be a real threat.
“We’re looking forward to it, but it will be a really tough game.”
Leesley himself is back in the swing of match action after a lengthy absence with injury.
The former Harrogate man suffered a knee injury in the New Year clash with Hereford, but some fantastic progress in recovery meant he was able to return against Alfreton in late March.
Given it was feared initially that his season may be over, the return is especially sweet for the player himself.
He admitted: “It was something I never really expected.
“Once I got the diagnosis of 12 weeks, you never think you’re going to be back within that as you’re always going to have set-backs and getting back up to speed.
“To get back and to have six or seven games to play in before the end of the season is massive for me and something I’m really enjoying.
“It’s even more enjoyable when you’re winning games… I’m loving being back as it’s a chance to play in front of the fans and everything before the end of the season.”
The time out was tough for Leesley, particularly as he’d not long joined Harriers from Boston United as a key signing for boss Russ Penn.
He continued: “It was difficult, but I’ve had really good support around me from the club.
“At the time I thought it was ‘season over.’ This is a new club I’d just joined and I kind of felt I was finding my feet and a bit of a home here.
“For that to happy on New Year’s Day was a bit of a low blow, but we’ve come through it and I’m better for it, and I feel stronger for it.
“I know it’s only a slight glimmer of hope [we have] of the play-offs, but hopefully we can get in there, and you never know.”
Harriers welcomed back Nat Knight-Percival from suspension for the win at AFC Fylde on Monday, and will be further boosted by the availability of Kyle Morrison this weekend.
Morrison had been forced to miss the clash at Mill Farm as he is on loan from the Coasters.
Reiss McNally has missed the last couple of matches through injury and will continue to be assessed, as will Kai Lissimore after illness forced him out of the 2-0 Easter success.
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 PROGRAMME
Don’t miss out on Saturday’s match day programme, which includes a retro look at the 1991-92 season that had a little too much tension for many a Harriers fan’s liking!
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 and an update on supporter conduct.
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