Wednesday: Harriers v Gateshead

Enterprise National League

Kidderminster Harriers

1 - 0

Wed 16 Sept

Aggborough Stadium

Gateshead

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PAUL WOTTON has challenged Harriers to maintain their standards when Gateshead visit Aggborough in the National League on Wednesday night. Harriers return to action following an impressive 2-0 victory over Hartlepool United on Friday, when an own goal and Callum Stewart’s late strike secured a deserved three points. Wotton was delighted with his side’s front-footed performance and the improved way they managed the closing stages against ten men, but insists there remains plenty to work on. “I thought we were really, really good, really front-footed and committed,” said the Manager. “In the second half there were things we could have done better against ten men, but overall it was really pleasing. “The second goal calmed everybody down and made it a lot easier to see the game out. “It’s important to learn from every game and every situation. We were much, much better at managing the game against 10 men.” Gateshead travel to Worcestershire seeking a response of their own following a 4-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers. Wotton believes that result will provide added motivation for Wednesday’s visitors and is taking nothing for granted against a side containing plenty of quality. “We’ve all been there and had those results,” he explained. I’m sure they’ll be coming down looking for a big reaction. “There are no easy games in the National League. It’s a tough, tough league and there are some really good players in it. “Gateshead have qualities and threats that we need to be aware of, and so have we. They’ll need to be aware of ours as well. It’s going to be another tough game.” Harriers are enjoying a good run of form, but Wotton has warned against any drop in intensity following Friday’s victory. “There’s that saying about after the Lord Mayor’s show, and we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he added. “I’m hoping we get the same level of performance but, if we don’t, we need a minimum of the same level of commitment. “The boys were really sharp in training, so I didn’t see any complacency. I’m fortunate to have two or three really strong leaders in the dressing room who remind the players of their standards. “We’re a humble, hard-working football club and the team are showing that. We’ll keep going game by game.” Wotton is also hoping for another excellent atmosphere after the Aggborough crowd played its part in Friday’s victory. “It helps the players massively,” he said. “It was tremendous when the final whistle went. It was a great atmosphere and made for a really enjoyable evening, so let’s hope it’s the start of something.” Owen Evans remains sidelined through injury and Angus MacDonald is suspended, but Wotton otherwise has a fully fit squad available. Kick off is at 7:45pm

Supporter information

MATCH TICKETS Online purchase for the game is still by far the quickest and easiest way to get your ticket, and you can do this via our online platform at any point up to 15 minutes after kick off. Can’t purchase online? You can call our Ticket Office on 01562 823 931 who will assist. Home fans: £3 is added to any ticket purchased in person at the box office on the day of the match. To avoid this, buy online up to 15 minutes after kick off. Away fans: Tickets must purchased in advance or online, no tickets will be sold to away supporters in person at the ground on the day of the match. Contact us on the details above if you need any assistance. AGGBOROUGH IS CASHLESS Please remember, Aggborough Stadium and all of its outlets are cashless – we cannot accept cash as payment under any circumstances. RESPECT & SUPPORT BALL RETRIEVERS Ball retrievers, often young people, carry out a vital part of the Aggborough match day. But did you know, it is NOT their job to ensure play continues quickly by passing the ball to players? A ball retriever’s job is simple – their instructions are to retrieve balls that have left the field of play and to place them back on cones at pitch side. Players, not retrievers, collect the ball from the cone. Our young ball retrievers are following official rules – please show them the respect and encouragement they deserve. LIMITED CAR PARKING Car Parking spaces at Aggborough are, as ever, extremely limited. Please, where you can, travel to the game without needing to park to avoid disappointment or disruption. Please also park with consideration of our local residents. NO SMOKING Aggborough Stadium is a strictly no smoking venue – this means smoking, including the use of vapes and e-cigarettes, is prohibited anywhere within the stadium. STADIUM LIGHTING Some flashing light sequences from entertainment shows may cause discomfort for photosensitive viewers. Read more on how to manage photosensitivity. SUPPORTER CONDUCT Harriers again strongly supports The National League and Football Association in delivering their antisocial conduct message. Please review the following information before visiting Aggborough, and remember that your entry into Aggborough Stadium is subject to the acceptance of the National League’s Ground regulations and adherence to the Smoke No Joke policy. Both documents are clearly visible and available on entry turnstiles. Specifically, we would like to remind supporters that the club will not tolerate supporter misconduct of any kind. This includes but is not limited to: Discriminatory behaviour. This means conduct or language that is aggravated by ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, faith, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability. Entering the field of play or its immediate surrounding area without permission. The throwing of missiles towards the pitch, technical area or dugoutThe possession or use of pyrotechnics such as flares or smoke bombs. Please support Kidderminster Harriers responsibility. Should you be concerned by any of the above conduct you may witness, please report it to your nearest steward, to the Club Office or Safety Officer or by e-mail to security@harriers.co.uk

Latest interview: Paul Wotton

Harriers v Heed: The Archive

There really has not been too much to for Harriers write home about in recent years when it comes to meetings with Gateshead - the Reds, in fact, haven't won one against the Heed since a 1-0 victory at the International Stadium in 2020. It's been one-way traffic since then. Gateshead won 3-2 at Aggborough in 2022 and clobbered Harriers 4-0 and 3-0 in the next two meetings, the most recent match-up coming in 2024. That night in February saw them claim a 2-0 success in DY10, so can Harriers finally put a stop to that run come Wednesday? One memorable meeting going further back came in 2009; Matthew Barnes-Homer netted a late winner as Mark Yates' outfit won 3-2 in Worcestershire.