Kidderminster Harriers to tighten up for FA Cup clash
James Pearson is looking to avoid another high-scoring affair as Kidderminster Harriers head to Newcastle Benfield in the FA Cup this weekend.
They go into the third qualifying round tie on the back of a thrilling 5-4 victory against Blyth Spartans in the league this past weekend.
It was Pearson’s debut and he scored twice – his first professional goals.
And although the former Leicester City man was happy to break his career duck, as a defender, he is looking for the backline to be much tougher to break down against the Northern League Division One outfit.
“I had not scored before so it was good to get a couple,” said Pearson.
“It was more important to get three points and to help the team.
“I had not played in a big-scoring game like that before.
“It was just important that we stuck to our guns and did not concede at the end; they were putting pressure on in the last five minutes and I thought we were superb then.”
Harriers enjoyed a 4-2 triumph at Deeping Rangers in the previous round.
They were the big favourites in that clash, and the same applies again as they are three divisions higher than the Lions.
And while they are expected to win and progress in the competition, Pearson is refusing to take anything for granted – although he would have preferred to be playing another league game on Saturday,
“That is the one disappointing thing; once you get a win in the league you want to go again and keep winning games,” he added.
“But we are looking forward to the weekend. We will go up there and be strong and put out a good account of ourselves.
“Hopefully we can get into the next round.”
Meanwhile, Harriers goalkeeper Tom Palmer has had his loan spell at Midland Premier side Worcester City extended.
The 18-year-old, who came through the club’s academy, will stay at the Victoria Ground until October 14.
