05-01-24. Rochdale AFC Vs Kidderminster Harriers. Match preview

Preview: Phil Lench

With the arrival of midfielder Owen Hesketh on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, and the lack of news on the management front, it looks likely that we’ll not be seeing any changes in that department just yet. With that being the case then we’ll be going to Rochdale AFC as if nothing has happened in recent weeks. Weeks that we’ve collected just one point from a possible twelve and now looking odds on for a return to the National North.

The sad thing is that we could have got a more positive result in all four games but it didn’t pan out that way. Is there a coaching problem in that we’ve found it hard to get a shot on target or is it a little bit of rebellion in the dressing room that has led to a lack of confidence? With the lack of communication from above we may never know.

Maybe it’ll be fifth time lucky tomorrow and the New Year resolutions from the players, and management, is to get this shocking form turned around as soon as possible.

In the past few days, as well as Hesketh coming in, we’ve seen a month extension to Bailey Hobsons loan, Kobe Hall and Samson Hewett returning from their loans at Bromsgrove Sporting and the departure of Ryan McLean back home to AFC Wimbledon. All minor changes but it does signify that small efforts are being made but is it enough?

As with most of our opponents at this level it’s been some years since we’ve paid a visit to grounds that were familiar back in our Football League days. Rochdales’ Spotland ground was always a tidy place to visit and one that we always seemed to get a result of some sorts from with just the one defeat in five visits.

Now we’re at the same level once more and our hosts tomorrow are tenth in the table and fifth in the current form tables. It’s going to take a big effort from us, down at the very bottom of the form table, if we hope to get anything from this.

We still have Joe Leesley and Nathaniel Knight-Percival out long term but the remainder of the squad should be good to go. Are they good to win though? 

Photo © KHFC

Referee: Mr Garreth Rhodes. Selby

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