Match Preview

I’ve long since learned that cup draws throw up unexpected or coincidental fixtures with such frequency that they barely register. Even so this pairing was a surprise, albeit a pleasant one.

Our only previous meeting was in the first round of the FA Cup fourteen years ago, give or take a few weeks. It is well remembered not least for the Harriers sporting gesture at the end of the game when they applauded our local heroes from the field. May we see another contest worthy of the great competition this time round.

Now managing the Harriers is Russell Penn who played in that game whilst our assistant manager Michael Bardle was also on the pitch wearing those one-off blue and white quarters. We’ll be in stripes for this one.

Harriers play at Step 2 in the National League System as do Hemel who we beat in the previous round. However, whereas Hemel were winless in National South at the time, Harriers are in the play-off places in National North despite losing by just the odd goal in three at top of the table AFC Fylde last Saturday.

I understand that we’ll be without Dave Kendall and Pat Adamson for this game whilst Dan Rumens' injury is taking too long to heal so he'll still be waiting to register his 50th appearance for the club.

There’ll be a decent crowd for this game and with no pre-purchase available I’d advise getting to the Park in good time to avoid long queues at the turnstiles.

Meanwhile you do have the option to listen to Pete Hill's excellent commentary on https://www.spreaker.com/show/90minuteslive.