Match preview ahead of Saturday’s Aggbroough encounter with King’s Lynn…
By Matty Paddock - 10/03/2023
Posted 2 years ago

SHANE Byrne is refusing to give up on Harriers’ season, insisting a ‘mini league’ starts with the visit of King’s Lynn Town to Aggborough on Saturday.
The title-chasing Linnets are in town as they continue their fight with AFC Fylde and Chester for the National League North title.
Harriers, meanwhile, have fallen some way back from the pack in the race for the play-offs, leaving themselves plenty to do to extend their own season.
Nonetheless, skipper Byrne feels Saturday’s clash in DY10 is the ideal tie in which to bounce back for the Reds.
He explained: “It’s a great game for us to get out of the form and the rut we’re in
“We’ve played well without getting the results against the teams who are above us this season so, at home, against a team in form, we’re definitely looking forward to it.
ARCHIVE: King’s Lynn Town 0-2 Harriers
“There’s no better game to go and win.”
Harriers might remain a couple of wins or so away from the play-off spots in National League North, but it clearly hasn’t been a season of highs at Aggborough.
Reflecting on a frustrating season so far in an in-depth interview, former Brackley man Byrne lamented the team’s self-inflicted wounds.
He added: “I don’t think many teams have beaten us this year, we’ve beaten ourselves.
“That’s the overriding frustration for me because, box to box, we’ve been very good and have been competitive in games.
“I think we’ve just lacked that cutting edge and killer instinct in both boxes, which has really let us down. Our league position reflects that at the minute.
“We’ve got nine games left and 27 points left to play for.
“Personally, the season hasn’t gone as I’d hoped as a team and performances personally.
“There are nine games left and we have to look at it as a mini league and to try and top that.” Shane Byrne
“There’s nine games left for me to find the form and consistency that I’ve had in the last seven or eight years at this level.”
The picture is clear enough for Harriers – win games and try to close the gap on the play-off places.
With the likes of Boston and York mounting late charges for the play-offs in National League North last season, Byrne – who Captained Boston – knows anything remains possible.
He insisted: “We’re seven points Chorley and I’ve seen it done before, I’m not discounting it at all.
“We’ve got nine games to get 27 points and that’s got to be the aim.”
I’m not going to undersell how frustrated fans must be, we are as players and the management team must be for the shortcomings we’ve had this year.
“There are nine games left and we have to look at it as a mini league and to try and top that.”
Harriers go into the game without the services of Joe Leesley and Joe McGlynn who continue to recover from injuries.
Alex Penny withdrew at half-time of the defeat to Chester and will be assessed prior to kick off.
King’s Lynn, hoping for an immediate return to the National League, fell to a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Farsley Celtic in midweek.
They have, however, been in the top two for essentially the whole campaign as their fight for top spot looks set to go down to the final weeks.
Kick off at Aggborough on Saturday is at 3:00pm. Pitch covers have been in place since Tuesday afternoon to combat the cold weather and, as things stand, there are no significant issues anticipated ahead of the weekend.
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
Issue 22 of The Harrier is available to purchase from the Club Shop, food kiosks and Harriers Arms on Saturday.
Memory Lane takes in our 2002-03 season in the EFL, while there are reports, photos, news, updates and more from across the club everywhere else.
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.
Club statement on recent banning orders to supporters following antisocial behaviour
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