Harriers hopeful of game go ahead

Kidderminster Harriers were today confident their home game against York will go ahead after enlisting Premier League advice on their Aggborough pitch.

Adam Watts, of the Select Group of Assistant Referees, personally expected the playing surface yesterday afternoon, fresh from Villa's home game with Arsenal on Saturday.

It was deemed playable then and, subject to approval from the match referee before kick-off, the match should be given the green light to go ahead tonight.

With that would come Harriers' return to action after their game at Barrow was called off on Saturday, leading to a 10-day break from the playing field.

The visit of York in the Blue Square Premier is a chance of revenge for Steve Burr's men, a month after they were dumped out of the FA Cup at Aggborough by tonight's visitors.

New loan signings Craig Lindfield and Mitch McPike are both available after signing on Friday, while Jack Byrne is also back after a three-match ban.

But Harriers have fitness doubts over Mike Williams and Jamille Matt, with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.

And assistant boss Gary Whild has told of how the players are dying to get back to games, looking to continue a six-match unbeaten run in the league that has taken them to seventh in the table.

He said: "If you're in football you want to be playing, that's a fact for all players and staff.

"But you can't control the weather, obviously. We've just got to concentrate now and ensure that if it does ease up, we're ready to keep the run going.

"Against York we were disappointing in the FA Cup, but that's only at the back of our minds, really.

"We're just keen to carry on what we've been doing over the last five weeks or so."