A look at Saturday’s trip to Darlington in National League North…
By Matty Paddock - 14/01/2022
Posted 4 years ago
RUSS Penn believes Harriers will go up against a team and club mirroring his own when they travel to Darlington on Saturday.
Along with the likes of York and Boston, Darlington are one of a handful of names in National League North with a rich history that includes time spent in the Football League.
While they’ve struggled since those days, much of it remains, in particular their fan base which is one of the most vocal in the league.
So the trip to Blackwell Meadows on Saturday will be a tough one, with Penn seeing a lot of his own players and club in the opposition.
He says it’s a game that will have a lot going for it – not least of course three points being up for grabs.
Harriers look to build on their 2-1 home win over Farsley Celtic in midweek that continued their good form, but the hosts go into this one having thumped Celtic 6-0 away from home just a few days prior.
“They have a good manager and seasoned pros,” says boss Penn on the meeting between the Reds and the Quakers. “it’s a good club.
“They had a tough start to the season and really underachieved, but Alan has recruited really well in the last two months.
“He knows what the level is about. He’s done it with Blyth and will do it again with Darlington, no doubt.
“We’re coming up against a similar club as as ours in terms of infrastructure, the players and probably the budget… it’s going to be a great game.”
Penn said he respects the size and ambition of Darlington, too, saying: “Their ambition is to get back [into the EFL] and they’re building it nicely.
“There will be a good crowd there on Saturday so we’re really looking forward to it and are really excited.
“It’s always a good game between the two and two managers wanting to go at it, so it’s going to be great.”
Penn was finally able to give minutes to Marcus Dinanga on Tuesday night as he made his long awaited debut after signing from Altrincham before Christmas.
The Reds will otherwise assess the knocks and niggles within what’s hopefully a fully-fit squad heading north.
Kick off at Darlington on Saturday is at 3:00pm.
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