A look ahead to the final day of the National League North season on Saturday…
By Matty Paddock - 28/04/2023
Posted 3 years ago
RUSS Penn says there’s no point focusing on results elsewhere on Saturday – his focus is only on getting the right Harriers result as the Reds host Kettering at Aggborough.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting final day of the National League North season this weekend.
Thanks to a run of five straight victories, including successes against the division’s top and bottom side, the Reds go into Saturday as one of a number of teams fighting for the play-offs.
Only one of AFC Fylde and King’s Lynn (whichever fails to clinch the title, which is also up in the air on Saturday) and Chester have their play-off place locked in.
Other sides sitting in the play-offs are Brackley, Alfreton, Scarborough and Buxton, but the fixture programme for the day means it’s impossible for all of them to win their matches.
That could potentially open the door for one of Chorley, Gloucester, Curzon, Spennymoor and Harriers to sneak in – plus Darlington if you factor a truly unique sequence of results.
That would all be exciting enough on its own, but the play-off race is far from the only thing being contested on Saturday.
Down at the bottom of the table, only two of four teams have been relegated going into Saturday – AFC Telford and Leamington.
Bradford (Park Avenue) and Blyth Spartans are currently occupying the final two spots in the drop zone, but looking over their shoulder above them will be Southport, Farsley, and most notably, our guests at Aggborough, Kettering Town.
The Poppies have some comfort in as much as they know they will be guaranteed to survive if they win against Harriers.
They can only achieve that aim with less than a win if results involving other teams go for them, so the stakes could hardly be higher for either side.
Looking ahead, Russ Penn is pleased that his side are going into this one in good form, but knows both teams will be adopting a must-win approach.
He explained: “I’m chuffed with how the month has gone, but we’ve got one big game to go, one big push.
“We’re going to need absolutely everybody and we’re going to have a right go at it on Saturday, and what will be will be.
“We have got to win, and Kettering have got to win, so I think it will be a great spectacle for both sets of fans with pressure on both teams.
“A draw is not good enough for them either, looking at the table, I think they’ve got to come out and win the game.
“How they approach it and how we approach it… that’s [the same for] about ten games throughout the league, it’s fascinating.”
Given Harriers sit outside the play-offs, it’s well established that a win at Aggborough for the hosts isn’t enough on its own to achieve a place in the top seven.
Naturally, then, there will be considerable attention on scores elsewhere – for both camps.
Penn isn’t willing to be distracted by that, though, knowing that there is unlikely to be any stage at which the game is home and hosed for Harriers on Saturday.
On looking at scores and league tables, he added: “There’s no point, is there? As we’ve got to win the game.
“If we didn’t, I might have done, but we have got to win the game.
“If we’re 5-0 up then then I’ll have a listen, but that’s not going to be the case on Saturday.
“I really respect Lee [Glover] and Kettering. They’ve got themselves above the line at the moment and they want to stay above the line.
“They aren’t going to fold for us and, likewise, we aren’t going to fold for them.
“It will be a really cracking atmosphere with two teams who need to win the game, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Harriers have no new injury concerns going into Saturday’s match.
Kick-off at Aggborough on Saturday is at 3:00pm.
END OF SEASON AWARDS
Please note our end of season awards will be presented on the pitch after 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.
Please be mindful that tickets for Saturday’s game are selling quickly due to the increased interest on the match. Please buy early to avoid disappointment.
MATCH DAY PROGRAMME
Our final match day programme of this season issue 26. Get a preview of what’s inside.
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 and an update on supporter conduct.
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