Derby spice tasty for Harriers boss
Friday 29th January 2010, 5:45AM GMT.
Kidderminster Harriers manager Steve Burr admits the FA Trophy third round clash Worcester City has that added spice with the local rivalry between the clubs.
The two teams face off in the Worcestershire derby at St George’s Lane tomorrow, the first time in 25 years the two have met in a competitive fixture, in only Burr’s third game in charge.
City ply their trade in the Blue Square South where a relegation battle looks on the cards, but are under new management with Carl Heeley at the helm – an old sparring partner of the Harriers boss when both were players.
But league form counts for nothing in cup competition and there should be the added adrenalin of a big crowd, as just 15 miles separate the two clubs and their supporters.
Burr has told his players that this game is as important as any they will face this season, and that they carry the weight of a town’s expectations on their backs.
He said: “It’s a good one for the supporters and everybody connected with the club, it’s going to be a tough one but we are looking forward to it. These sort of games are massive for everybody, because there is local pride at stake.
“Considering it’s the first time the team have met in a match like this for a good number of years, it’s added a lot to it. With the two clubs close by and the short travelling distance, it should generate a good atmosphere.
“We won’t underestimate them, because they will be fired up to get a result against us.”
Harriers striker Robbie Matthews is fit to rejoin the squad after missing Tuesday’s 4-1 win against Grays with flu, and will jostle with Aaron Farrell for his place back in attack.
Burr added: “Robbie is back now, he trained yesterday and had a good blast. It’s good news for us.”
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