Harriers man has his say ahead of this weekend
By Matty Paddock - 07/05/2026
Posted 2 hours ago
OWEN Evans believes the togetherness built within the Harriers camp this season can help drive Harriers to promotion at South Shields this weekend.
The popular performer says the chemistry developed within the squad across the course of the campaign has become one of the side’s biggest strengths heading into Saturday’s Promotion Final in the North East.
Having arrived during pre-season before suffering an injury setback, Evans eventually returned to earn himself a deal at Aggborough and has since become a key part of Adam Murray’s side during a strong run of form that has seen Harriers win seven matches in succession.
Reflecting on his first experiences around the squad earlier in the season, Evans admitted there has been significant growth both individually and collectively since his first involvement in the side.
“My first game was the Radcliffe game here, which I thought: ‘what have I got myself into here!?” he said.
“It was a bit of carnage, lads and stuff, but I think as the season’s gone on, more players have come in, players have left, but I think we’re finally in a place now where we all trust each other.
“We’re in a good place, staff, players, it’s a real good chemistry with the group I’d say, and everyone I think, I can speak for all of the boys, love coming in every day.
Evans believes that bond has become central to Harriers’ recent run of results, with the Welshman highlighting the contribution made throughout the squad regardless of who has been involved on matchdays.
“It’s massive, not just on the pitch, off the pitch as well,” he continued.
“Lads who maybe haven’t got the minutes that they’ve wanted, they still play a massive part every day in training.
“I think chemistry for us is probably our biggest strength to be honest with you, trusting each other on the pitch.
“I’d say that’s our biggest strength, the chemistry we’ve built over the course of this season.”
Harriers head into Saturday’s showdown on the back of a dramatic play-off semi-final victory over Macclesfield and Evans feels momentum can play an important role at this stage of the campaign.
“I was in that league the year Kidderminster went up and I remember they entered the play-offs in a great run of form, and you could say it’s the same with us,” he said.
“We’re on seven wins in a row now, so momentum is big in football, but it can also be taken away from you within a click of a finger, so we’ve got to use that momentum.
“At the same time there’s no guarantee we’re going to go on that pitch and it’s going to be free-flowing from the start, we’ve got to earn that right.”
Evans also praised the backing Harriers have received from supporters in recent weeks and says the connection between fans and players has grown stronger as the season has progressed.
With another large travelling support expected at the 1st Cloud Arena this weekend, Evans says the Harriers faithful can again play a key role.
He went on to say: “Sometimes away fans, even though there’s less of them, they can make more of an impact being the away side.
“If you’re playing away from home and all you can hear is still your fans, it gives you a nice feeling inside when the game’s going on that they’re there with you.
“I think they can play a massive part in it still.”
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