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Saturday: Harriers v Woking

A first preview of the season as Harriers return to the National League….

By Matty Paddock - 04/08/2023

Posted 3 years ago

Russ Penn oversees first team training in pre-season. Pic (C) KHFC

HARRIERS host old rivals Woking as Aggborough makes its return to National League football on Saturday.

After seven years away, the Reds will be playing Step 1 football again this season, and it’s a big one first up.

A major rival from our prior ‘Conference’ years – and The FA Trophy of course – The Cards provide the first opposition of this new 2023-24 campaign.

Looking ahead to Saturday afternoon, boss Russ Penn knows getting off to the right start on home soil is vital.

“It’s a tough game, a really tough game,” he said. “But I think anyone in the league would’ve been tough for the first game.

“They’re going to fancy their chances, we fancy our chances, we’re at home.

“We have the momentum from last season, but so have they.

“We have got to make this ground a fortress going into the new season. We have to pick up points here and that’s’ what we’ll be looking to do on Saturday.”

The landscape of The National League has changed immeasurably from the team’s last season in it – 2015-16 – and just a handful of teams remain in the line-up.

Now the likes of Oldham Athletic, Chesterfield, Hartlepool, Barnet, Rochdale and Southend are all among those waiting to tussle with Penn’s charges.

The boss was part of the Harriers squad that dropped down to this level in 2005 after a spell in the EFL.

“I believe, truly, that they’re all good enough for this level, if not more…” Russ Penn

The difference in buzz around the place from that spell to this is evident, he says, and he’s looking forward to kicking things off with a memorable occasion in DY10.

He added: “I’ve played for the club at this level, but it has more of a bounce now as we’re on the back of a promotion – we were on the back of a relegation when I was at the level last time!

“We’re going into it full of heart, with big Season Ticket sales. There’s a big attendance expected Saturday and big away followings now.

“You look at the arena now and it’s a great place to play football.”

Plenty of what lies ahead for Harriers this season is unknown – a new division, new opposition and new challenges throughout.

Starting any season well will always provide a boost, though, and that’s what drives Penn ahead of this weekend – and he’s ready to give his players all the opportunity needed to prove themselves on a fresh stage.

He explained: “You can generate momentum at any time through the season, like we saw last season – but it’s about starting that momentum.

“We are looking to try and win the game on Saturday, albeit a tough game, and we’re well prepared.

“Woking are up there as one of the favourites to get promoted, so let’s see where we are at this level.

“A lot of lads played at the level below last year, but I believe, truly, that they’re all good enough for this level, if not more. The proof’s in the pudding.”

Penn said Harriers are heading into the weekend’s game with a clean bill of health after Riess McNally returned to match action in last weekend’s friendly at AFC Telford after a short time out.

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

MATCH TICKETS

As with the last few seasons at Aggborough, advance purchase of match tickets is strongly recommended to help minimise queues and also to make a saving.

Prices rise by £5 for any ticket purchased in person at the box office on the day of the match. To avoid this, buy online, any time, up to 15 minutes after kick off – even if this is once you arrive at the ground.

Any supporters needing assistance with purchasing online can contact us before a match day on 01562 823 931.

AGGBOROUGH IS CASHLESS

Please remember, Aggborough Stadium and all of its outlets are cashless – we cannot accept cash as payment under any circumstances.

YOUR MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

As we begin life in a new division, there’s an all-new edition of The Harrier, your match day programme, to enjoy.

Buy your copy for this historic match from around the ground or in the Club Shop. To make sure of your copy, or to get one if you can’t make it to the ground, you can purchase online for FREE UK mainland delivery.

Get your copy today.

FAN ZONE AT AGGBOROUGH

As with our pre-season clash against Liverpool and as we’ll have for many matches at Aggbrorough this term, the Harriers Fan Zone adjacent to the Club Shop.

Keep your eyes on our social media for more on what to expect at Saturday’s Fan Zone, which will include a range of great food and drink.

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.

LIVE MATCH STREAMING

Harriers fans can view National League matches this season on National League TV.

All Harriers league matches will be available internationally on the NLTV platform, while games outside of UEFA Article 48 blocked hours (2.45pm to 5.15pm on Saturday) will be available to view in the UK, too.

View more details.