23-02-24. Oldham Athletic Vs Kidderminster Harriers. Match preview

Preview: Phil Lench

The Harriers will be taking a big following to Oldham Athletic tomorrow to honour the exploits of their sea faring chairman Frank Rothwell. The seventy three year old has just returned from a 3,000 mile solo crossing of the Atlantic and, in the attempt, raising over £300,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. I can’t even walk thirty yards up the street without getting knackered and I’m only three years younger.

The game itself is a sell out and the reason we’re taking so many, apart from the occasion, is due to the ticket pricing of £1 each. Thankfully most Harriers fans have paid more once the voluntary donation was added in. 

We’re coming into the game on the back of a mini poor run having not scored for the third game in a row and only one point as well as exiting the FA Trophy. On Tuesday it was Gateshead who beat us 2-0 and it wasn’t a good watch as the Heed allowed us to start off at 100 mph while staying in control of the game then once worn down they turned the screw and danced rings around us. We ended up with just the one shot on target and well beaten.

There should be some changes to the starting line-up after some players weaknesses were exposed and left wanting. There could be a start for Regan Griffiths at least but without Matt Preston and Sam Robinson returning from injury any day soon it’s difficult to say what could happen in defence. Our usually solid crew there were torn open far too often and it was only down to an improved second half showing from Christian Dibble that the score was kept down to two.

Talking of injuries where is Kai Lissimore lately? He hasn’t even been on the bench for the last two games after doing quite well at Peterborough Sports in the Trophy.

The game tomorrow is the first of a tough run of away games in a week when we have the re-arranged game at Solihull Moors on Tuesday and then down to Woking next Saturday. Must say I’m more confident about the Woking game at least. Tomorrow not so much so.

Photo © Frank Rothwell

Referee: Mr Richard Eley. Derby

Talk about the game here

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