Match Preview | Kidderminster Harriers v Oxford City
City travel to Aggborough on Bank Holiday Monday.
Oxford City will be looking to put Saturday's disappointment behind them on Bank Holiday Monday as the Hoops travel to Aggborough to take on the much-fancied Kidderminster in Vanarama National League North.
Despite not picking up maximum points (yet), perhaps City can be disappointed not to have done just that. Chance are being created, but the problem has been putting them into the net.
Perhaps the news that a number of absentees returning to full fitness can bolster the squad. New signing Louis Walsh is yet to feature in the squad but will be knocking on the door after he returned to training last week.
Furthermore, with the quick turnaround of fixtures, Hoops Manager Sam Cox has alluded to changes to keep the feel fresh ahead of the trip to the midlands.
Kidderminster, on the other hand, have showed why many have tipped Phil Brown's team for promotion this season. Despite their first defeat of the season (away at Warrington Town) on Saturday, Harriers have secured three big victories against Darlington, Radcliffe and Brackley Town.
Ashley Hemmings has started the season in red-hot form and alongside a number of key personnel who have stuck around this season, Kidderminster will be a tough nut to crack.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Kidderminster Harriers v Oxford City
Aggborough Stadium - Monday 26th August - 15:00
Vanarama National League North
Referee: Callum Jones - Assistants: Thomas Bingley & Scott Mason
FORM
OXFORD CITY - D D L L
Despite a solid start, City's luck has deserted them of late.
However, Sam Cox's side will have the perfect opportunity to put Saturday's defeat to South Shields behind them with a trip to Aggborough.
Chances aplenty are being created, if the Hoops can start to put those chances into the back of the net... That win can't be too far away!
KIDDERMINSTER - W W W L
Kidderminster lost their first match of the season on Saturday, and like City, will be looking to bounce back from disappointment on Monday.
However, Harriers' start has probably been one of the most impressive in the division.
Phil Brown's side have picked up maximum points against Darlington, Radcliffe and Brackley - three promotion hopefuls.
TEAM NEWS
Sam Cox has no new injury concerns for Saturday's contest. Central Defender Cardo Siddik limped off against South Shields with cramp.
Jayden Carbon and Brad Stretton also made a case for themselves to start after lively cameos from the bench on Saturday.
New signing Louis Walsh is nearing return to full fitness. The City Boss mentioned in his post-match interview against South Shields that he may look to tinker the squad with the quick turnaround.
ONE TO WATCH - Ashley Hemmings
Racking up over 400 club appearances and 83 goals as well as featuring in the England U17 sides, Ashley Hemmings is a proven player that will threat the backline, as the winger is our 'One To Watch'.
Hemmings began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers before being released in 2012, by then he had also had loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle.
Finding his feet was a struggle for the winger, as he made over 90 appearances between 2009-2014 with little to show for it, so a move to Dagenham & Redbridge brought his spark back.
Moves to Boston and AFC Fylde helped him develop as a player before putting pen to paper for Kidderminster Harriers.
Life at The Harriers has been solid for Hemmings, he has notched 60 goals in over 200 games, dazzling in the National League, North, FA Cup and FA Trophy, with a memorable occasion or few in each under his belt.
The 33-year-old found the back of the net 15 times in the 23/24 season, and has already got two to his name as he contributed to wins at the hands of Radcliffe and Brackley.
Hemmings began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers before being released in 2012, by then having also had loan spells at Cheltenham Town, Torquay United and Plymouth Argyle.
THE MANAGER - Phil Brown
Making over 600 league appearances but narrowly missing out in the top flight, Bolton Wanderers legend Phil Brown is currently manager at Kidderminster Harriers.
Starting out in 1978, his playing career lasted 18 years where he went onto make a mega amount of appearances at Hartlepool United, Halifax Town, Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool FC.
He played as a full-back up until 1996 where his coaching career began, working as Assistant Manager to Sam Allardyce at Blackpool FC. He remained at the Seasiders for six years until deciding to persue his career as a Manager.
After an unsuccessful spell at Derby, Brown was appointed as Manager at Hull City where he lead the Tigers to safety in the Championship in the 07/08 season, before taking them to Wembley in the play-off final, where they defeated Bristol City to win promotion to the Premier League in May 2008.
Brown then had spells at various other clubs after a shaky end to his stint at Hull City.
Brown was appointed manager of National League bottom club Kidderminster Harriers on a contract until the end of the season.
Despite having overseen an initial upturn in form, winning six of his first eight matches in charge, Brown was unable to prevent the club being relegated. Following the final match of the season.
However, he and his assistant Neil McDonald both signed new two-year contracts in the summer, as they bid to take 'Kiddy' back to the fifth tier.
