Harriers head to Leamington in National League North…
By Matty Paddock - 06/01/2023
Posted 3 years ago
HARRIERS head to Leamington for their toughest game of the season on Saturday, says boss Russ Penn.
Penn’s outfit secured four points from six over the New Year double header with Hereford, and now look to build in the early part of 2023.
First up is the relatively short trek to visit Paul Holleran’s side, who’ve once again made themselves tremendously difficult to beat.
The Brakes have conceded just 22 goals in 24 National League North outings, tasting defeat just six times – thanks not least to having accumulated 13 draws.
It makes their ground a difficult prospect for Harriers, but the men from Hoo Road have themselves been in relatively good form away from home this term.
Despite that and a reasonably good Christmas, Penn admitted: “No doubt, it’s the toughest game of the season for us.
“We’re going to go there [and] get at them because we have to. We need points now between now and the end of the season and it starts again on Saturday, hopefully backing up the four points we’ve got [over Christmas].”
Leamington battled away near the play-off positions for large periods of last season and got themselves off to a flyer this term, too, thanks to that base of solidity.
While consistent results have been more difficult to come by since, Penn knows they remain in an excellent position both on and off the pitch.
He added: “It’s down to the Manager, he has been there over ten years now.
“It takes time and it shows you what a bit of consistency can do at a football club.
“I don’t think they’re going to win this league, but they never, ever look like going down and last year they were competing in the top seven for a large amounts of the season.
“On the resources they’ve got, full credit to them as it’s why Paul Holleran has been in the game such a long time.”
Harriers confirmed this week that Joe Leesley will miss Saturday’s game – and the foreseeable future – due to a knee injury.
Alex Penny and Nat Knight-Percival are edging close to a return but are more likely to feature in the Senior Cup outing at Stourport on Tuesday.
It’s hoped Harriers will have an otherwise full complement to pick from.
As a reminder, segregation is being operated at Leamington tomorrow. Match day information can be found via the Brakes’ website.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 3:00pm.
This article is about: Match
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