We went up to the top spot at Newport in an ill tempered, controversial game that saw the Reds struggling at times against the pace of Newport, the state of the pitch and the contempt of the referee. It was thanks to a late opportunists goal in the dying seconds from Cheyenne Dunkley (right) that we came away with all three points even if they were not fully deserved. Them's the breaks.Now we have to continue the campaign against another difficult opponent.
Southport haven't been the force that they were last season and struggled a bit at the start of the season but picked up a bit over December and January but of late they have been slipping back towards the bottom places. They're safe from relegation and are certainly no threat to the play-offs as they were last season.
The lost at Tamworth on Tuesday evening after taking a first half lead but lost their keeper to a red card after he handled outside the box. Tony McMillan would have missed the game against us but will now miss Altrinchams game at home to Worcester City instead after signing for them last night. Southport had already bought in a replacement in the shape of Ben Smith from Shrewsbury Town expecting McMillan to still be there for the remaining games.
They could be without Andy Owens with him having treatment for a hamstring injury while Chris Lynch has just undergone an operation to his knee. Steve Akrigg is also out long term.
They should have the former Harrier Sean Clancey on show for them although he was an unused sub at Tamworth. He was only with us for a short while at the start of the year and that was ended when he, somewhat unfairly, got sent off at Mansfield. He left us shortly after due to being non contract and also out for three games.
Bearing mind the poor conditions down in Wales on Tuesday we were lucky to come back without any notable injuries so we should be at full strength with the exception of long termer Jack Byrne. Although he is now back in training it is far too early for a return just yet. Kyle Storer should reclaim his starting place now that his two match ban has ended.
We won the corresponding fixture up there last season with two goals from Anthony Malbon and Luke Jones. With us being on such top form and Southport a shadow of last years team I'm expecting another three points to be heading back down the M6 at 3.00pm.
For those that can't make it to the game it'll be on Premier Sports (hence the early ko) and will be shown in both the Harriers Arms and upstairs in the Aggborough Suite. Get there early for the best seats in the house or better still make yourself known at Southport itself.
Make it KHFC loud and proud.
Photo © EMPICS
Teams:
Harriers from:
Lewis, N Vaughan, L Vaughan, Williams, Dunkley, Demetriou, Gowling, Shakes, Storer, Vincent, Jackman, Briggs, Pilkington, Guinan, Johnson, Pearson, Malbon, Gittings, Gash, Devaney, Jarvis, Rowe.
Southport from:
Hibbert, B Smith, J Smith, Lever, Parry, Grand, Whalley, Ledsham, Owens, Clancy, Almond, Benjamin, N Byrne, Chalmers, Moogan, Tames, Hattersley, Joyce, Kay, Poku, Willis.
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