Harriers urged to up game for Shrews
Tuesday 26th July 2011, 6:45AM BST.
Kidderminster Harriers assistant manager Gary Whild has told the team they will have to up their game in two tough home friendlies starting against Shrewsbury.
Harriers welcome a near full-strength Shrews to Aggborough tonight, before Wolves come to the Blue Square Premier club on Friday night.
Bristol Rovers were originally scheduled to be tonight’s visitors but double booked a game with Championship side Reading, with new League Two rivals Shrews taking their place.
The New Meadow outfit, managed by former Wolves boss Graham Turner, were promotion contenders last season and are expected to rivals Rovers at the top of the division in the upcoming campaign.
They face Harriers for the first time since February 2005, when the two were both in the bottom tier of the Football League, with Shrewsbury running out 4-2 winners at home.
Harriers have only played once as hosts in pre-season, a 3-2 defeat to a young Albion side last Tuesday night, and take on higher league opposition for only the second time in pre-season.
With that in mind, Whild has warned the players will have to be at their best to overcome what will likely be tough opposition.
He said: “We have two good games this week and it’s nice to be at home.
“We will be up against strong opposition and have two games where we are looking to push on again.
“Hopefully the fans can come along and see the lads in action – it was a good, entertaining night against West Brom last week and we’re hoping for more of the same.”
Harriers will not risk goalkeeper Dean Lyness tonight after he picked up a groin injury last week, forcing him to miss Saturday’s 3-0 win at Northwich.
With Lyness out, No 1 Danny Lewis will be in-between the sticks, looking to re-establish his position after becoming the club’s Player of the Year for last season.
Midfielder Scott Phelan is also a slight doubt with a knock to his shin, although finished the second-half in his 45 minute run-out on Saturday.
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