Match Sponsored by Syno Education
Kidderminster Harriers are the visitors to Nethermoor this Saturday as The Lions make a return to Vanarama National League North action against the high-flyers with kick-off at 3pm.
The visitors currently sit second in the table, just five points off leaders Chorley having played a game more, they did however crash to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to FC United of Manchester at the weekend.
This defeat came two weeks after a 3-2 loss at Stourbridge in the Emirates FA Cup but sandwiched in between the losses was a 2-1 win over Mark Bower’s Bradford Park Avenue at the Horsfall.
The Lions meanwhile were in Emirates FA Cup action at the weekend but did beat Brackley 2-1 last time out in league action at Nethermoor thanks to Paul Clayton’s late strike.
Speaking after making the first round of the Emirates FA Cup with a 3-1 victory over Stourbridge Joint First Team Manager Russ O’Neill said “It was a real tough game, exactly what we expected. In the end as the game went on I thought we deserved to go through.”
Will Thornton scored his first Lions goal on Saturday and Russ praised the academy graduate “I keep on to Will about being aggressive not just in our box but both boxes, get your name on the team sheet and today he has done that.”
Speaking of the current injury casualties Russ said “We got players from the bench who could affect the game, we’re getting one or two of the walking wounded back, as the game has come on they have done really well.”
He also praised the two substitutes who scored the winning goals “It’s been a long road back for Kaine Felix especially, he has looked after him self tremendously well to get himself back fit. Lewis Walters has been in and around it, ready to start, he’s been a bit frustrated but they have got their rewards today.”
Whilst Russ may not got his wish of Sunderland away in the first round The Lions’ focus now turns back to league action.
Man of the Match Kayode Odejayi also had his say on the win “We started the half quite well but the disappointment came from conceding the goal so soon after we went ahead. We re-grouped at half-time, showed our ability and eventually ground them down.”
“I feel the more minutes I get, the better the performances will be but listen it’s not about me, it’s a team game and I don’t that was shown anymore than when Kaine and Lewis came on, scored and turned the game on its head. Everyone was fantastic, a thoroughly professional performance over the 90 minutes.”
Odejayi also wanted to praise the management staff for their great work “Credit to Marcus, Russ and Paul, they got the recruitment spot on, they put together, including the boys from last year, a really good group. You are seeing that on the pitch with the togetherness.”
After the final whistle you will get the chance to meet the Management Team and Gary Douglas who are attending a Meet The Managers Evening hosted by the Supporters’ Club from 6:15pm in the clubhouse.
At the free to attend event food will be available and a raffle will be taking place, find out more here.
Also the 2168 Air Training Cadets (Yeadon) will be back at Nethermoor Park this Saturday, selling poppies on behalf of British Legion.
Last year they collected £127.04, let’s try and beat the amount by buying poppies or just making a donation to the collectors located around Nethermoor.
