Jerry Gill blazes a path at Harriers

Kidderminster Harriers youth boss Jerry Gill today predicted that Paul Hurrell and Ashley Checketts will blaze a path to the first team for academy products.

Youth team captain Hurrell and full-back Ashley Checketts were both on the bench for Saturday's 5-1 FA Trophy win over Droylsden at Aggbrorough.

The two teenagers didn't make it onto the pitch but have been signed to first-team forms and represent the first success stories for Gill.

The youth set-up was only formed in the summer, in conjunction with Stourbridge College, with Gill arriving as academy manager soon after.

Hurrell and Checketts are in first-team contention inside the first year and the likes of Tyrone Williams and Ollie Long could follow suit, Gill predicts.

He said: "For us to have two players involved in a first-team fixture so soon after the academy has formed has, for me, exceeded all expectations.

"They got a chance because they were good enough and there was discussion during the game that one of them might have been going on.

"There's an avenue to the first-team for these lads now but they have keep developing and beating the drum for us.

"They have got themselves on the bench for the first-team but there is still much more to come from these lads.

"It's important that they keep doing what they are doing and we will be pushing them daily."

Harriers will have to wait until Monday night to find out who they will play in the third round of the FA Trophy.

Hinckley face a replay at Luton after last night's goalless draw, with the winner coming to Aggborough on Saturday February 4.