Saturday: Harriers v Bradford (Park Avenue)

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FULLY focused on National League North, Russ Penn wants Harriers to put in a ‘full-energy performance’ against Bradford (Park Avenue) on Saturday.

Avenue visit Aggborough as DY10 hosts just a second home league fixture since early December.

It’s a game Harriers approach with something of a crystalised focus. With their FA Trophy adventure ended at Dorking last week, the Reds only have their National League North goals ahead of them for the remainder of the 2022-23.

Despite a current position in the bottom half, the play-offs still remain very much in reach with more than 60 league points to play for.

That’s why Penn is urging Harriers to make the most of a busy period on the horizon, knowing a quick accumulation of points over the next couple of weeks could make all the difference.

It all starts against the Avenue on Saturday.

“We need to put in a full-energy performance for the fans as it’s something they deserve,” said Penn of the game.

“We’ve got to end the season on a high – it is all about how you end the season now.

“The players have got lots to play for, I’ve got lots to play for, and the fans can have their part as well.

“We aren’t where we need to be, but we can be very soon. Four games in ten days, it’s a big month for us  this month to put us back in the mix hopefully.”

Harriers will come up against a confident Avenue side this weekend.

A 3-2 defeat at Spennymoor last time out brought to an end an six game unbeaten run for Mark Bower’s charges as they put real daylight between themselves and any trouble at the foot of the division.

While they’ll be a tough nut to crack, Penn is insistent his team take their chance to impress having struggled for consistent results at Aggborough in 2022-23.

Of the inconsistency at home, he added: “I hate that because I love this place.

“I think it is a great stadium to play and it’s a great, vibrant atmosphere.

“Last year it seemed to be the reverse and it seems to happen in football and you can’t quite put your finger on it.

“The boys have got to enjoy playing here.”

Penn confirmed Harriers will be without Caleb Richards (ankle) on Saturday, though his absence isn’t expected to be a prolonged one.

Joe Leesley (knee) is out long-term, but Alex Penny completed his comeback from injury at Dorking last week – Nathaniel Knight-Percival also making the bench.

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

The pitch at Aggborough has been covered for much of this week and, at present, there is no requirement for a pitch inspection ahead of Saturday’s game.

MATCH TICKETS

Home and away fans are reminded that the quickest and easiest way to purchase match tickets is to do so online via our ticketing platform.

Can’t purchase online? You can call our Ticket Office on 01562 823 931 who will assist.

Fans wishing to make a purchase in person can do so up to 15 minutes after kick-off on Saturday by visiting the Aggborough Ticket Office. There is an additional £3 added to admission prices (excluding Juniors) for tickets bought in this way, so please make purchases online where you can, which you can also do at any time until just after kick off.

MATCH DAY PROGRAMMES

The match programme for Saturday’s game features match reports and photos of recent games, Russ Penn’s latest column, Kids Corner including a Q&A with Ben Margetson, and a look back at the 2013-14 season as we go down Memory Lane.

Can’t make the game? You can order a copy now with FREE UK delivery.

AGGBOROUGH IS CASHLESS

All food outlets at Aggborough, as well as all sales points including the Ticket Office and match programmes and Harriers Arms, are cashless for 2022-23.

Please keep this in mind when planning your day.

NO SMOKING

Aggborough Stadium is a strictly no smoking venue – this means smoking, including the use of vapes and e-cigarettes, is prohibited anywhere within the stadium.

SAFETY AT AGGBOROUGH

Harriers supports the campaign by The FA, the National League and others to clampdown on antisocial behaviour at football matches.

Recent antisocial behaviour at matches will not be tolerated – do not bring, handle or involve yourself in the use of pyrotechnics at matches or enter the field of play at any time. Enjoy the match responsibly.

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