Non-league preview: Phil Brown targets Wembley appearance with Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Trophy
Phil Brown has set his sights on Wembley and embarking on a memorable FA Trophy run with Kidderminster Harriers as his side visit former Baggies star Kevin Phillips and his AFC Fylde.
The Harriers boss has previously enjoyed success at England's home of football having won the Championship play-off final with Hull City in 2008 and the League Two play-off final with Southend seven years later.
Now, Brown is targeting an appearance with Kidderminster and to firstly overcome AFC Fylde of the National League in the third round tomorrow.
Harriers went all the way in the competition in 1986/87, beating Burton Albion to claim the title, and if Brown's side can cause an upset against Phillips' men then just four more rounds will separate Kidderminster from a Wembley game.
"I love Wembley, I absolutely adore it and every time I have been there, every time as a supporter, as a player, a manager, it is always a massive occasion," said Brown. "You always know you are achieving something by being there.
"It could be a tough game (against Fylde), but it is winnable. Going to Wembley for me is always motivation for a team.
"This is a proper competition that culminates with a game at Wembley. We will be going as strong as we can in this round and hopefully the form in the Trophy can carry us forward in the league as well."
Harriers' recent form in the National League North has been nothing short of impressive. Brown's side have lost just once in their last 10 league games, seeing them rise to fourth and just two points from top spot.
But, speaking after his side's 1-0 win over Leamington last weekend, Brown described Kidderminster's league position as "OK" setting out his ambitions to reach the top and, moving into cup action against AFC Fylde of the division above, Brown welcomed the test.
"It's always nice to pit your wits against a team from the higher division," the Harriers boss added.
"I sampled Fylde last season and they were an organised side. Kevin Phillips has since gone in there. In terms of an attractive proposition for a manager, they are no slouch being able to attract him.
"They have a front four that can hurt us, so defensively we are going to have to be on our mettle.
"But, it's a free shot. We will go there will a game plan to upset, maybe upset their rhythm, but they are not having the greatest season. They are struggling in the league and maybe that is a bit more important than a cup run, but I will always maintain that cup runs breed confidence and competition for places, and there is nothing wrong with Kidderminster Harriers going through for the next round."
Elsewhere, former West Brom midfielder Richard Sneekes will take charge of Rushall Olympic, who visit Gainsborough Trinity of the Northern Premier League tomorrow. Adam Stevens was axed as Pics boss last Sunday as Rushall sit bottom of the National League North.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Central Premier, and after a thrilling No.9 Derby between Stourbridge and Halesowen Town last weekend, the Glassboys entertain Bedford Town while the Yeltz host Stamford.
