Harriers academy in first cup final

Kidderminster Harriers' academy will lift a trophy in their first year of existence if they can win the Worcestershire FA Midweek under-18s League Cup final.

Harriers' fledglings, managed by former Birmingham defender Jerry Gill, face their contemporaries from Stourport Swifts at Bromsgrove Sporting.

The club's youth set-up was only formed last summer and silverware at the Victoria Ground would make it an hat-trick of achievements this season.

Gill's men went through four stages to reach the FA Youth Cup second round in November, going out to Football League club Carlisle.

Academy players Paul Hurrell and Ashley Checketts then warmed the first-team bench for an FA Trophy win over Droylsden in January.

Now comes their first final in any competition and Gill believes victory tonight would be a just reward for their efforts.

He said: "This can be for all of the hard work that has been put into this first year. I can see a massive development from the group, as a whole.

"It is a true 50-50 partnership with the college and the boys know their education is absolutely imperative.

"On the footballing side, they are applying themselves and trying to play the right way which is being recognised.

"The FA Cup run has put us on the map as a footballing academy and will, hopefully, allow us to attract the best young players and students.

"The year has been a massive learning curve for all of us and it would be great for the players to be able to have a trophy to show for their efforts."