Kidderminster Harriers out to avoid upset as FA Cup returns
Kidderminster Harriers are out to avoid an enormous upset in the FA Cup after suffering their first defeat of the season this week.
National League North outfit Harriers are hosting Atherstone Town, who play four tiers below in the Midland League Division One, in the second qualifying round.
And Neil MacFarlane has urged his side to bounce back following Tuesday’s 3-1 loss at Chester.
“When you lose games, you have to bounce back right away – and I’m sure we will,” he said.
“We have to win. We will set out to win, as we have done on every occasion this season.
“We’re convinced this group will bounce back, they’re a fantastic group.
“They’ve gave me everything from day one and they’ll continue to do that. It’s up to us to respond.”
Winners at this stage of the competition receive £9,000.
On whether he will mainly stick with the side that has got them to second after 10 games in the league to secure that money, MacFarlane did not give much away but added: “It’s a settled side that has helped us to second place and has helped us go on a fantastic run. It’s taken the 10th game for us to lose a football match.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday and I’m sure the players are.”
Ahead of the game, Harriers have sent defender Ed Wagner on loan to Redditch United for a month
Hednesford Town will be fancying their chances of progressing after a convincing 2-0 triumph against Tamworth in the last round. They are heading to Rugby Town – two divisions below the Pitmen.
Halesowen Town face a Gainsborough Trinity team that managed to knock eight past Chasetown in a first qualifying round replay.
Stourbridge are welcoming Leamington to the War Memorial Ground.
The Brakes are a division above but the Glassboys are very much capable of an upset.
After all, they reached the third round proper two seasons ago – beating Peterborough Sports, Mickleover Sports, Ilkeston, Nantwich Town, Whitehawk and Northampton Town before finally bowing out at Wycombe Wanderers.
They reached the second round proper the term prior too, and the fourth qualifying round last year.
Stafford Rangers hope to be at full strength for their long trip to King’s Lynn Town.
Steve Burr’s men only have minor doubts over Izak Reid, Tom Marshall and James Askey.
The boss said: “All the clubs at this stage want to have a Cup run and it’s no different for us.”
Meanwhile, in Northern One West, Chasetown go up against Market Drayton Town at the Scholars Ground.
Scott Dundas’s charges are yet to win on home soil.
Drayton have lost all three of their away games.
