Reports 2020-21

Match report Vs Gloucester CityVenue: New Meadow ParkDate: 09-01-21Att: 0000 (away fans: 000) The Harriers throw the lead away Report: Harriershane The Harriers, buoyed perhaps by the 2-2 draw on Tuesday night against York City, travelled to new surroundings on Saturday to take on leaders Gloucester City in a top of the table clash and also for one of only two games in the National League North to go ahead. For Harriers Lewis Montrose was out injured after he limped off just before half time on Tuesday, meaning there was a recall for Omari Sterling-James whilst Jason Cowley was also handed his maiden start after his explosive impact the other night. It didn’t take long for the Harriers to get

Match report Vs York CityVenue: AggboroughDate: 05-01-21Att: 0000 (away fans: 000) Harriers hit back with a Cowley scorcher Report: Harriershane Tuesday night’s visitors to Aggborough were York City, one of the pre-season title favourites, fresh off their one week break following the postponement of their game on Saturday. For those looking for “narrative” you could take your pick: Harriers manager Russ Penn played under Minsterman boss Steve Watson at Gateshead, whilst Lewis Montrose, Luke Simpson and Keith Lowe are, of course, former York players. Talking of players Penn opted for the same again, meaning that Jason Cowley would again have to make do with a place on the bench. Perhaps feeling the benefit of that elongated break York flew out

Match report Vs Hereford FCVenue: AggboroughDate: 02-01-21Att: 0000 (away fans: 000) Penalties sort out the New Year derby Report: Harriershane The Harriers renewed acquaintances with Hereford FC a week after Boxing Day, having being unable to entertain AFC Telford Utd in midweek as 2020 fired one last negative bolt across the bow of Harriers fans. Never have so many been so peeved at the sight of snow. But I digress… Harriers were buoyed by the loan signing on Friday of Bromsgrove Sporting hotshot Jason Cowley, who joined no doubt in some part due to Amari Morgan-Smith’s four game ban that kicked in today. He would have to wait for his debut though as Ethan Freemantle was given the starting berth

Match report Vs Hereford FCVenue: Edgar StDate: 26-12-20Att: 938 (away fans: 000) The ghosts of Harriers past see off the present day Harriers Report: Harriershane The 20/21 season has been a weird one thus far but one thing that even a global pandemic couldn’t touch is the traditional Boxing Day derby with Hereford FC. In keeping with the spirit of the season perhaps we should label this game “The ghosts of Harriers past vs Harriers present” with no fewer than five of the first eleven for Hereford having previously turned out for Harriers, without including Josh Gowling and Steve Burr on the sidelines. For the Harriers this was the first game back, after the Stamford AFC aberration in the FA

FA Trophy 2nd qualifying round Match report Vs Stamford AFCVenue: Zeeco StadiumDate: 15-12-20Att: 0000 (away fans: 000) Awful Harriers exit the FA Trophy Report: Harriershane With the National League North season placed on a seven day hiatus the FA Trophy journey began in earnest on Tuesday night against Step 4 side Stamford AFC, most famed perhaps for their unique nickname of “The Daniels”. The former Manchester United veteran goalkeeper Luke Steele signed for them in time to be eligible for this game, and he would make his bow for the hosts. For Harriers the former Trophy finalist Russ Penn named an unchanged side from Saturday’s hard-fought win up at Gateshead, understandable with a bye into the Fourth Round and a

Match report Vs GatesheadVenue: International StadiumDate: 12-12-20Att: 0000 (away fans: 000) Harriers grab a great, late winner at Gateshead Report: Harriershane With a free Saturday last week, and a free midweek, the Harriers were afforded the opportunity to undertake some rest and recuperation before the long trek to the Gateshead International Stadium where their hosts were top of the form table following a six game unbeaten run. The Harriers manager Russ Penn, of course, had a spell with the Heed during his playing days and upon his return to one of his many former stomping grounds he made two changes to the side who fell to defeat against Kettering Town: Omari Sterling-James returning to the side, as did Alex Penny

Match report Vs Kettering TownVenue: AggboroughDate: 01-12-20Att: 0000 (away fans: 000) Harriers fall to defeat against Kettering Report: Harriershane Looking to make it nine games unbeaten and potentially climb to the top of the National League North table, the Harriers welcomed Paul Cox’s Kettering Town side to Aggborough. Home manager Russell Penn opted to make a solitary change from Saturday’s win against Curzon Ashton, handing Koby Arthur a start in the place of Omari Sterling-James. The Poppies gave a start to recent signing Kyle Perry, with the highly experienced target man tasked with leading the line and providing a focal point from which the likes of top scorer Connor Kennedy could work. The first chance of the game fell to

Match report Vs Curzon AshtonVenue: AggboroughDate: 28-11-20Att: 0000 (away fans: 000) Another Sammy Austin screamer gives the Reds the points Report: Harriershane Curzon Ashton were today’s visitors to Aggborough and they were hampered by the loss of frontman Darren Stephenson to suspension. Their manager Steve Cunningham handed a first start to Jude Oyibo and was hoping for a sterner defensive performance after he bemoaned their vulnerability from set pieces. From Russ Penn’s perspective Alex Penny was missing due to illness with Cliff Moyo deputising in his place. For those who accessed the stream they missed the first quarter of an hour of the game due to technical gremlins. When it did eventually come on it became clear that it would