Non-league previews: Kidderminster Harriers eye prospect of Wembley appearance

Harriers host Slough Town in the FA Trophy fourth round tomorrow, and should they win, would be only another three victories away from playing under the famous arch. 

But, after a 1-0 loss to strugglers Rushall in the National League North on New Year’s Day, Brown found himself in an unfamiliar position for his side who had won their last four previous games. 

“I was disappointed for a number of reasons,” said the Kidderminster boss. “The main one being that we got nothing from the game,and I am not disrespecting the opposition but the league table told you a story before the game and not after the game.

“We didn’t justify ourselves. We have been in some great form and playing some fantastic football but we just let ourselves down.

“I can’t say I have found myself saying that too often about my players, certainly not this season.”

Kidderminster missed their opportunity to reclaim top spot in the standings and now sit two points adrift from leaders Curzon Ashton.

Asked if this was another disappointment, Brown added: “To a certain extent. We all want to be there. 

“It’s going to be tight in the second half of the season though. I think there are a number of teams who can say they have a realistic chance of getting promoted if not winning the title, but we have put ourselves in a good position.

“It’s got to be said, Kidderminster Harriers ambition is to get promotion and we will maintain that in the second half of the season.”

And, he remained upbeat ahead of their FA Trophy tie, adding: “If somebody had given me that at the start of the season, in and around the top spot in the league and the possibility of getting to Wembley in four games time then I would have taken that.

“We will do our homework on Slough and give them the respect they deserve. If you don’t do your homework, results like against Rushall can happen.

“I am going to be playing a fairly strong team but I am also having a look at the squad at the same time.”

Meanwhile, in the National League North, Rushall Olympic go to Farsley Celtic, while in the Southern Central Premier, Halesowen Town will look to avoid their fourth defeat in a row at table toppers Kettering Town and play-off chasing Stourbridge visit St Ives Town.