MATCH PREVIEW: Kidderminster

WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?

Aldershot Town return to Vanarama National League action at the EBB by taking on the league’s current bottom side Kidderminster Harriers. The game is the Shots first at the EBB since a 4-2 win against Maidenhead on 24th November, and is a first National League game in November following last weekends 7-4 victory at Swindon.

The Shots opponents this time out are Kidderminster. Known as “Kiddy” or “Harriers”, Kidderminster will be making a 250+ mile round trip from their home ground Aggborough. The side were founded 137 years ago in 1886, and are in their first season in the National League in their current stint.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

The Shots and Kidderminster last met in National League action in 15-16, with each side picking up a win. At Aggborough, Kidderminster were 2-0 winners, but back at the EBB later in the season Aldershot were 1-0 winners. Charlie Walker got the only goal for the Shots on the day.

LAST SEASON:

Kidderminster were a National League North side last season, and following a 6th placed finish were promoted via the playoffs. Kiddy’s 69 points saw them finish 6th place and set them up for three playoff games, beating Alfreton in the quarter-finals, Kings Lynn in the semi-finals and then Brackley Town 2-0 in the final to earn promotion back to the National League.

Kidderminster entered the FA Cup at the second qualifying round stage last season, beating Tamworth and Chesunt before being knocked out after a replay by Fylde in the fourth qualifying round. Kiddy got one over Fylde in the third round of the FA Trophy, before being knocked out by Dorking in the fourth round.

23/24 SO FAR:

The Harriers have picked up three National League wins this season, all 1-0 against Dorking, York and Wealdstone. They have picked up four wins in all competitions, winning their fourth qualifying round tie against Ashton United before being knocked out by Fleetwood in the first round proper.

Their top scorer this season is Amari Morgan-Smith, and former Shot Christian Oxlade Chamberlain is joint for most minutes in the squad with Christian Dibble and Caleb Richards.

IN THE DUGOUT:

In the dugout for Kiddy is manager Russell Penn. During his playing days Penn played for one of his sides victory this year, York City, over 100 times. Penn made appearances for Scunthorpe, Kidderminster, Alvechurch, Burton, Cheltenham, Carlisle, Gateshead and Wrexham before ending his career with Kidderminster in 2018-19. Penn made appearances for England C during his playing career, and made his first appearances as a manager in a caretaker role for two matches in 2019, and in February 2020 after James Shan, who took the role initially, went to Solihull Moors.

Penn has been in the dugout since February 2020, and has guided Kiddy back into the National League during his tenure.

TICKET INFO:

Tickets for the Shots’ game against Kidderminster are available HERE and are priced as follows: