KICKOFF COUNTDOWN
After Tuesday’s trip to Hyde, we are now in our third game in the space of a week. A temporary respite from league action as we travel to National League North Kidderminster Harriers, who currently sit 6th in their league. Harriers have been in impressive form so far this season, collecting an impressive 13 points from their opening 8 league games.

In the last round of the Emirates FA CUP, the Blues knocked out Ashby Ivanhoe at the F Ball Community Stadium, goals from Tim Grice and Alex Hurst sealed our fate in the draw, with no disrespect to our rivals in the last round, this weekends test may just be a little bit tougher.

I imagine that Josh and the boys will see this match for exactly what it is, a free hit against a very good team, where a cupset win puts us in the hat for the next round and a draw warrants a replay here at home.

The True Blue Army will assemble at?
A 100minute trip for the Blues this week. Probably the easiest and quickest route on the map would be the M6 southbound and then onto the M5. Then joining the A456 heading all the way into Kidderminster.

Due to Kidderminster playing in Red we will be in our home kit of Blue shirts, White shorts & White socks.

How much to get in?

Adult - £14
Over 65 - £10
Student Y/A - £10
Juniors U16 - £4
Kids for a Quid U12 (With paying adult) - £1

Leek Town fans will be situated in the Purple Granite Stand, the game is all ticket and you can buy them HERE

Proof of ID may be required upon entry to the ground for tickets purchased at this price. U12s tickets can only be purchased alongside and at the same time as a non U12/U16 ticket.

The Opposition?

Kidderminster Harriers – Kiddie, The Harriers
Founded – 1886
Ground – Aggborough
Manager – Phil Brown

Their Website?
Kidderminster Harriers

How are they doing?
Kidderminster are currently one of the teams occupying the top 6 of the National Football League North. However their current form will be slightly worrying for Phil Brown. Their last 3 games have consisted of two losses and one draw, although they have played Chester and Chorley in these games, teams which also occupy the top 6. Their last outing was a trip to Chorley where they were beaten 2-1.

Their Main Man?
Centre forward Ashley Hemmings starts his 5th season with the Harriers, the front man managed 9 goals last season in what was a tough season for them in the National Football League. His efforts weren’t enough to avoid relegation, however he is already on 4 so far this season and will be looking to emulate his last spell in his current division with Kidderminster which saw him chalk up 12 goals. He’s also joined by Mazair Kouhyar who has found himself in the goals 4 times this season also.

Their Gaffer?
Phil Brown – It’s been 16 whole years since the infamous half time, on the pitch, dressing down that Phil Brown gave to his Hull City side, during their Premier League clash with Manchester City. Brown, who can probably now look back at the day with a coy smile, has a CV that any manager may dream off. Bolton, Derby, Hull, Preston, Southend and Swindon amongst the teams managed on the resume. In 2008 Brown had ‘The best day of his career’ when he took his Hull City team to the Championship play off final, winning at Wembley, a feat that many managers could only dream of.

6 of the best – Things you may not know about Kidderminster Harriers

Former Ajax, Liverpool and Denmark legend Jan Molby had two stints as manager of Kidderminster Harriers in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
In 2022, Harriers reached the 4th round of the FA cup. Having trailed to Reading in the 3rd round, they were able to overcome the deficit. They were knocked out in the 4th round where now England stars Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen scored for West Ham.
The Harriers record attendance at home was 9,155 in a home FA CUP game in 1948.
Harriers record appearances will take some beating, at any level. Between 1962-1974 Brendan Wassall made 686, can Tim Grice catch him ?
Kidderminster received a whopping £300,000 transfer fee for Jamille Matt in 2013, who was snapped up by Fleetwood Town.
Alun Evans, Englands first £100,000 teenager was born in Kidderminster. Although he never played for Harriers, his CV boasts a playing career with Wolverhampton, Liverpool and Aston Villa.