Harriers game likely to be called off

Kidderminster Harriers' Blue Square Premier game at Barrow was today in grave doubt of going ahead after a pitch inspection was called at Holker Street.

The playing surface will be put through its paces at tea-time today, for an early assessment of whether the match will have to be called off.

Cumbria has been one of the hardest hit by the cold snap in the weather but Harriers are understood to have asked for a pitch inspection, before making the 180-mile journey tomorrow morning.

And manager Steve Burr is not holding out much hope of making the trip.

He said: "Obviously going from here to Barrow, we would be setting off about 8am, so they are going to have a pitch inspection and we will have a clearer idea then of whether the game will go ahead, but the forecast is not looking good.

"The last things we want to do is set out, get on our way and then find out it's off."

Back at Aggborough, Burr was trying to tie up a final piece of transfer business before the loan window closes at 5pm today, with negotiations underway to bring a player from the Football League into the club.

Provided the deal is done in time, the prospective new signing could be involved tomorrow, but Harriers have injury doubts over striker Jamille Matt and left-back Mike Williams.

Both emerged as doubts during training yesterday, with Matt likely to miss the game nursing his hamstring and Williams rated 50-50 with an ankle injury.

Loan striker Marc Williams has returned to Wrexham, so top scorer Chris McPhee is set to be moved into attack with Jack Byrne likely to his place in midfield after suspension.

But such has been McPhee's impact in the middle of the park that Burr is reluctant to move him back.

He added: "We will have a look at it, Chris has been doing well but it gives us an option.

"All of the lads have done quite well in the last month or so, the side has been showing a lot of consistency."