A look ahead to Sunday’s big FA Cup clash against FC Halifax
By Matty Paddock - 04/12/2021
Posted 4 years ago
RUSS Penn knows his Harriers side are the FA Cup underdogs a against FC Halifax on Sunday, but says everyone is focused on reaching the Third Round.
Both Reds and the Shaymen know that a positive result at Aggborough will put them in the rare position of having a spot in the iconic stage of the world’s most famous competition.
It’s a stage Harriers haven’t reached for some eight seasons – and a point Halifax, as a re-formed club, have yet to get to in their short history.
That won’t stop the two teams and their fans dreaming, though, and that’s why Sunday’s tie has attracted so much attention, says the Aggborough chief.
He told our YouTube channel: “We’re one game away from a big prize, but he’ll say exactly the same will Pete.
“That’s why it’s going to be a fantastic game, a fantastic occasion. That’s why the crowd is bigger than usual, because everyone’s eyes are on the prize and we’re no different.
“We’re going to go into the game to win it and will do our best to do that.”
Harriers have won every game in the league and FA Trophy since their last FA Cup outing, against another National League promotion hopeful in Grimsby.
While confidence is high, Penn knows his charges revert to being underdogs for the day against a side pushing hard for a place in next season’s EFL.
Town have lost just two from their last 17 matches in all competitions, and reached this round with a bonkers 7-4 home win over Maidenhead.
“They are doing really well,” he added. “They’re a good squad of players and a good manager, and they’re flying high at the moment.
“We are on form as well in our league, but we’re the underdogs. We are at home, followed by a good crowd, so I expect a really good game.
“I think Halifax have probably got more confidence and momentum at the moment than Grimsby [had], they’ve done really well of late and have some good, attacking players.
“They’re scoring at will and not conceding too many, either, but we are scoring goals and winning games – we’re full of confidence and we’re going to take the game to them.”
Harriers will hope to have close to a fully fit squad to choose from for Sunday’s tie.
Both Joe Foulkes and Lewis Montrose have been back in training this week but aren’t expected to be quite ready for the trust of 90 minutes just yet.
Earlier this week we provided some useful information for fans attending the match, including car parking, COVID guidance and more. We’d ask that all supporters read the details included to help everyone’s match day run as smoothly as possible.
As of Saturday lunchtime, very few home seated and terrace tickets are available. We would strongly urge anyone yet to buy a ticket to so online as soon as possible to avoid disappointment on Sunday – should these sell out, none will be available on the day.
Regardless of when you’ve purchased your ticket, we’d ask all fans to arrive as early as possible at the ground. A larger than normal crowd will be in attendance so this will help operations on the day.
Match day programmes will be available around the ground and in the Club Shop. Fans unable to make Sunday’s game can order a copy of the programme online for posting. Also the Shop you’ll find an extended range of replica kit, winter wear, novelty gifts, calendars and more.
We will also be asking all supporters at Aggborough to remember the life of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes with a minute’s applause before kick-off.
The game kicks off at 4:00pm.
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