Saturday: Reading (H)

A look ahead to our Emirates FA Cup tie against Reading on Saturday…

By Matty Paddock - 07/01/2022

Posted 4 years ago

RUSS Penn insists Harriers will enjoy the occasion but stick to the task of their Emirates FA Cup Third Round clash with Reading at Aggorough on Saturday.

After a captivating build-up, the action finally kicks into gear with one of the most anticipated occasions in the English football calendar.

At Aggborough on Saturday there will be a packed crowd of around 5,000 in, with both Harriers and Readings supporters snapping up their allocations in full.

It’ll mark a momentous occasion for the home side – a fact not lost on the gaffer, who knows just how much it will mean to fans who revel in the occasion.

Previewing the game on our YouTube channel, he said: “We said in a Board meeting at the start of the season that we wanted to fill the terraces at least once this season, and we’ve been able to do it a few times which has been great.

“The whole excitement of the town is great and the enthusiasm around the club is fantastic.

“We’ve all needed it after a terrible couple of years both on and off the field, and the fans need it as well – they’ve had a tough few years with the pandemic and not being able to see the club.

“We want to bring that to light on Saturday.”

A trademark of Harriers’ football so far this season – and notably in the FA Cup – has been the style with which the team attacks and gets its goals.

FC Halifax were left shellshocked by the start to the game at Aggborough, so rapid was the energy from the men in red.

That will have to be tailored to suit a different level of opposition on Saturday, though, with Penn accepting his charges can’t necessarily afford to throw caution to the wind for 90 minutes.

He added: “We will have to [adapt]; we’ll have to be sensible and can’t be gung-ho and play the way we want to at National League North level.

“We’ll respect the opposition but also, we know their weaknesses. We’ll get the ball at times and we’ve got to be very disciplined without the ball.

“If we can do that and stay in the game, the longer it goes on, the more frustrated they’ll get and the crowd are on our side, and it’s game on. It’s the FA Cup and I’ve seen bigger and worse upsets than this.”

Indeed it would pay to remember the gap between the National League North and the Championship.

It’s not clear just yet who will represent The Royals in Worcestershire, but Penn says he’s looking forward to rubbing shoulders with them regardless – before, that is, getting down to business.

“It will just be great to open them with open arms,” he went on to say. “Danny Drinkwater has won the Premier League and Andy Carroll has numerous England caps and is ex-Liverpool…. I could name loads of proper, Premier League experienced players.

“Whether they play them all on Saturday is up to the Manager, but we’ll be prepared for them to play their best team and we’ll give it a good go.

“I’ll let the fans enjoy that, because we’ve got a job to do…” Russ Penn

“I’m glad it’s here as we’ve packed it out – It’s going to be a great FA Cup occasion with some famous names on the terraces as well.

“It’s going to be a real good show on and off the field and I’m delighted we’ve been able to achieve this this season… but I’ll let the fans enjoy that, because we’ve got a job to do.”

Harriers at least have the plus of having a fully fit squad to choose from, save for Cliff Moyo who is himself continuing to make great progress in his recovery from injury.

Joe Foulkes remains firmly in the camp after extending his stay at Aggborough, but the on loan and cup tied Marcus Dinanga’s long wait for a debut must continue beyond the weekend.

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

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