Harriers look to regain play-off spot

Tuesday 22nd February 2011, 8:45AM GMT.

Harriers look to regain play-off spot

Kidderminster Harriers manager Steve Burr has vowed his side will be up for the challenge of reclaiming a play-off spot at Darlington.

Harriers head to the second-furthest spot in the division away from Aggborough, a 390-mile round trip, to play their game in hand on Fleetwood, who occupy the last play-off space.

Burr’s side leapfrogged the Cod Army with last Friday’s 2-1 over Cambridge but Micky Mellon’s men replied with a 3-0 win over Grimsby on Saturday, although they will swap places again if Darlington are defeated tonight.

It’s a first trip to the Darlington Arena for boss Burr, with the ground the subject of much debate after the club’s holding company went into receivership, which could see assets including the stadium passed on to cover a £1.7million loan repayment.

But it’s an impressive playing facility of Football League standard and the Harriers manager is looking forward to the trip – however long it may be – to take on the Quakers.

With a win Harriers will go into Saturday in the play-offs for the second week in succession and the Aggborough chief insists that is all the motivation his players need.

He said: “We have got a fair old way to travel but, as usual, we will be preparing in the best way we can.

“There are a few lads in our dressing room, myself included, who’ve never been to Darlington’s new ground.

“I played many a time at their old stadium but never had the pleasure of going to where they are now, so we are looking forward to that.

“It’s a fantastic facility and I am sure their lads appreciate playing in that sort of setting, our lads are certainly ready for it.

“We have an opportunity tonight, with Fleetwood not playing, to get ourselves back into those play-off places.”

Harriers captain Keith Briggs has given Burr a boost head of tonight’s game by coming through training yesterday and should be passed to play despite a knock to his ankle.

However, Lee Vaughan will miss the trip as he is starting a two-match ban after picking up 10 yellow cards this season, although winger David Hankin could return after a hip injury.

The match has possibly come too soon for Lee Morris, who is recovering from a thigh problem, but the striker could return for Saturday’s home game with Wrexham.



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