AFC Fylde v Kidderminster Harriers
Saturday 18th March, 2017, k/o 3pm
Mill Farm
Vanarama National League North
With just over a month of the season remaining, AFC Fylde welcome Kidderminster Harriers to Mill Farm in a top-of-the-table clash.
The Coasters currently lead their visitors by 11 points at the top of the Vanarama National League North with just nine games remaining, although Kidderminster have a game in hand due to their FA Trophy commitments earlier in the season.
This is the first of two home games in four days for Dave Challinor’s men with the visit of play-off chasing Stockport County also coming up on Tuesday evening.
Fylde maintained their advantage against relegation-threatened Gainsborough Trinity last weekend with a 2-1 in Lincolnshire. Danny Rowe opened the scoring with his 40th league goal of the season and although Gainsborough levelled with a penalty, Rowe’s cross-shot was turned into his own net by Trinity defender Ioan Evans to secure a vital three points.
In the reverse fixture against Kidderminster back in October, the sides played out one of the games of the season at Aggborough. The topsy-turvy contest saw both sides lead during the game before Kidderminster equalised late on to earn a 3-3 and a share of the spoils.
James Hardy stole the show that day with two goals and manager Dave Challinor will be hoping to call on the former Manchester City youngster on Saturday as he continues his comeback from injury.
Kidderminster have done well to adjust to life in a lower division having been relegated from the National League last season. They are currently third, level on points with second-placed Salford.
Recently, however, Kidderminster’s form has dipped, having lost three of their last five games in the National League, all away from home.
Arthur Gnahoua will be one of Kidderminster’s biggest threats at the weekend. The striker is Harriers top goalscorer with 12 goals in all competitions so far this season, 11 coming in the league. Midfielder James McQuilken was also a standout player in the reverse fixture for Kidderminster and will again be one to watch.
Team news:
Captain Josh Langley underwent surgery on his groin earlier in the week and is expected to return to action within four weeks. Midfielder James Hardy is undergoing his rehab and could be available. Macauley Wilson has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, whilst David Morgan could miss out with a similar injury. Midfielder Josh Kay could make his second debut following his return from Barnsley.
NLN fixtures:
AFC Fylde v Kidderminster Harriers
Alfreton Town v FC United of Manchester
Altrincham v Stalybridge
Curzon v Nuneaton Town
Darlington 1883 v Brackley Town
Halifax Town v Gloucester City
Harrogate v Chorley
Salford United v Stockport County
Tamworth v Gainsborough Trinity
Telford v Bradford PA
Worcester v Boston United
Recent form:
Kidderminster: W-L-L-W-L
Last result: Kidderminster 3-0 Alfreton
League position: 3rd
AFC Fylde: W-D-W-W-D
Last result: Gainsborough Trinity 1-2 AFC Fylde
League position: 1st
Admission:
Seating: £15
Standing: £12, Under 16s FREE (with membership)
