Saturday: Harriers v Barnet

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JIMMY O’Connor wants Harriers to reproduce their performance levels from midweek – and add to them – as the Reds host Barnet at Aggborough on Saturday.

Harriers were beaten 2-1 by The Latics, but deserved something from the tie having produced arguably their best display of the season.

It was little consolation on the night as the team still search for a first home win of the term, but O’Connor insists the signs are there that progress is being made.

Looking ahead to the game, he said: “If we’d been in games where we’d been miles off it, I’ll be honest with you, I’d probably be having major doubts myself.

“But, over the 11 games, I think in the majority, we should’ve been picking up points.

“Of course we can get out of it – recognising it, 11 games in, where we need to be better is the important thing.

“As staff, players, as a group, together, all of us are showing more than enough that we can get our way up this league.

“It starts on Saturday against a very good side…. can we produce a performance that’s as good as we did on Tuesday night and maybe add to it? [If we can] we’ll be absolutely fine.”

The home side are contending with a big injury list going into the match and are hoping to land reinforcements prior to kick off.

Reiss McNally (ankle) is expected to be a week or two away, with Nat Knight-Percival (groin) ruled out for the weekend, too.

Jack Lambert will be out for a number weeks with a thigh issue, though O’Connor said the problem doesn’t appear as bad as first feared following a scan.

Shane Byrne and Matt Preston both remain out.  Byrne is around six weeks from a return and is now out of his knee brace, while Preston is due to make a return to the training field shortly.

There is at least some good news for Harriers. Alex Penny is now said to be fine after receiving treatment at the end of  Tuesday’s game, and Joe Leesley will be back available after suspension.

O’Connor added: “It hurts. You look in the treatment room and you see some big players, characters and leaders.

“We are where are and every team has their issues and injuries. We aren’t feeling sorry for ourselves by any means, and the players who are available, it’s important they try and step up.”

Harriers and Barnet locked horns regularly in non-league circles between 1971 and 2000, and a handful of times during and after our time in the EFL.

Overall, Saturday’s clash will be the 27th meeting between them, with Barnet taking the biggest share of wins with 11 so far.

Harriers are at least unbeaten in their last three clashes against The Bees, the most recent affair being a 1-1 draw in 2015 in which Danny Wright’s goal earned a share of the spoils.

Kick off on Saturday is at 3:00pm.

MATCH TICKETS

As with all home matches at Aggborough, advance purchase of match tickets is strongly recommended to help minimise queues and also to make a saving.

Prices rise by £5 for any ticket purchased in person at the box office on the day of the match. To avoid this, buy online, any time, up to 15 minutes after kick off – even if this is once you arrive at the ground.

Any supporters needing assistance with purchasing online can contact us before a match day on 01562 823 931.

AGGBOROUGH IS CASHLESS

Please remember, Aggborough Stadium and all of its outlets are cashless – we cannot accept cash as payment under any circumstances.

YOUR MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

Don’t miss Issue 8 of The Harrier this weekend for the game against Barnet.

There’s Case Files with Ashley Hemmings, a look back at another classic National League encounter, plus tons of content, news, opinions and more from the present day.

Buy your copy from around the ground or in the Club Shop. To make sure of your copy, or to get one if you can’t make it to the ground, you can purchase online for FREE UK mainland delivery.

Get your copy today.

FAN ZONE AT AGGBOROUGH

The Harriers Fan Zone adjacent to the Club Shop at Aggborough will again be open before Saturday’s game.

There, you’ll be able to find an amazing atmosphere plus a range of incredible food, drink, and more – the perfect place for your pre-match hangout where you can sit and soak in the build-up with other fans.

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.

LIVE MATCH STREAMING

Harriers fans can view National League matches this season on National League TV.

All Harriers league matches will be available internationally on the NLTV platform, while games outside of UEFA Article 48 blocked hours (2.45pm to 5.15pm on Monday) will be available to view in the UK, too.

View more details.

SUPPORTER CONDUCT

Harriers again strongly supports The National League and Football Association in delivering their antisocial conduct message.

Please review the following information before visiting Aggborough.

Specifically, we would like to remind supporters that the club will not tolerate supporter misconduct of any kind. This includes but is not limited to:

• Discriminatory behaviour. This means conduct or language that is aggravated by ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, faith, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability.
• Entering the field of play or its immediate surrounding area without permission
• The throwing of missiles towards the pitch, technical area or dugout
• The possession or use of pyrotechnics such as flares or smoke bombs

Please support Kidderminster Harriers responsibility. Should you be concerned by any of the above conduct you may witness, please report it to your nearest steward, to the Club Office or Safety Officer or by e-mail to security@harriers.co.uk

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