Kidderminster Harriers serve up five-star show ahead of Scunthorpe showdown
Boss Phil Brown says Kidderminster Harriers are heading into Tuesday’s showdown with National League North leaders Scunthorpe with their tails up after Saturday’s thumping 5-0 win at South Shields.
Ashley Hemmings scored a hat-trick as Harriers claimed their fourth win in five matches to strengthen their hold on a play-off position and keep alive hopes of catching the leaders.
Scunthorpe are eight points ahead of Brown’s team but have played a game more.
Brown said: “I wouldn’t say we have a score to settle with Scunthorpe. But I remember we went there with a weakened team.
“We are going to go into Tuesday night with our tails up, knowing full well we can give them a game, knowing we are at full strength.
“It’s a massive game. I think the cameras might be in town for that one. We can put a marker down. Saturday was a marker too.”
Kyle Morrison opened the scoring at South Shields, while Maz Kouhyar was also on the mark as Hemmings took his tally for the season to 25 in all competitions.
“It wasn’t easy,” said Brown. “It was the performance from the first minute to the last which got my attention.
“It wasn’t just the performance with the ball but the mentality of the group. We played some good football on a difficult pitch too.”
Rushall Olympic’s hopes of avoiding the drop suffered another blow as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Southport.
The Pics are now six points adrift of safety after a goal in each half from Luke Burgess sent them to defeat.
Halesowen Town boss Russell Penn is keeping his feet on the ground despite Saturday’s 2-1 win at Hitchin Town sending his team top of the Southern League Central Premier.
Conor Tee and Kieren Donnelly were on the mark to earn a win which sent the Yeltz above AFC Telford and Bedford Town on goal difference.
There was some concern, however, around the fitness of Tee, who was forced off with an ankle injury shortly after scoring.
“It is not looking good to be honest, it is swollen,” said Penn. “We will see how it is on Thursday now. It is all about winning the next game.”
Stourbridge’s hopes of making a late charge for the play-offs were hit after a late penalty forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw against Bishop’s Stortford. Alex Jones had earlier opened the scoring for the Glassboys.
