02-02-24. Kidderminster Harriers Vs Oxford City. Match preview

Preview: Harry Taylor

Kidderminster Harriers will attempt to claw their way out of the National League relegation places against survival rivals Oxford City tomorrow. Harriers will make it four wins in as many games if they manage to beat the Hoops, who are bottom of the table with only two points separating the two teams, as Harriers are now only a point from safety.

On-loan striker Sam Bellis could feature for Phil Brown’s side, after he missed the 1-0 win against Dagenham and Redbridge. Brown said that Sammy Robinson, who is still injured, remains unavailable but the speed of his recovery means he is unlikely to be out for the full twelve weeks. Meanwhile long-term absentee Joe Leesley is thought to still be out of contention with a return not on the horizon.

Oxford City’s side has changed since the 2-2 draw against Harriers back in the autumn, which saw one of Russ Penn’s sides best halves of football in the dire first half of the season. Striker Olly Sanderson, who put Oxford City 2-0 up, has returned to parent club Fulham, and Cole Kpekawa is back at Bromley after his one month loan.

Targetman Alex Fisher, who has spent his recent career flitting between Newport County and clubs in the south west joined City on loan at the start of the New Year, and is still looking for his first goal. Ball playing defender Canice Carroll, who had a strong performance in the Oxford side last time out, is still with the club.

Harriers are likely to stay broadly unchanged with Brown sticking with the same side which has led him to three victories in three games – including the 4-2 triumph over Aldershot Town last time at Aggborough. There have been no new signings this week, despite other clubs battling against relegation bringing players in.

Brown told BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Trevor Owens that the club had been speaking to interested players who have been drawn in by the club’s upturn in form. Knowing Harriers’ penchant for announcing signings late on a Friday, the situation could change before kickoff tomorrow.

Above Harriers, AFC Fylde travel to Dorking Wanderers – who themselves look as though they could be drawn into the relegation scrap. Ebbsfleet Utd, who Oxford beat on Saturday, host playoff chasing Oldham Athletic, and Woking face a visit from Boreham Wood.

It’s kids for a quid, so hopefully Harriers will see a bumper support – and in an unthinkable position as the club could, if they win and results go their way, be out of the relegation zone at 5pm. Or with modern stoppage time, 5.10pm.

It’s fun to be a Harriers fan again, long may it continue.

Photo © KHFC

Referee: Mr Gary Parsons. Hampshire

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