“We’re going up against a team in a higher league and we want to win it”: Kidderminster boss ready for Morecambe FA Trophy tie
Morecambe hope to belatedly kick off their year by avoiding defeat against a lower-ranked team in round four of the FA Trophy.
Ashvir Singh Johal’s players travel to Kidderminster Harriers in the last 32 on Saturday, having seen last weekend’s trip to Altrincham postponed amid freezing temperatures.
Kidderminster, in contrast, were able to play as they recorded a 1-0 win over Curzon Ashton: a seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.
That run has helped them to fourth place in National League North as they prepare to welcome a Morecambe side third-bottom in the division above after Christmas defeats to Rochdale and Carlisle United.
Kidderminster’s home form has been particularly impressive this season with nine victories and only two defeats in 14 league and cup matches at Aggborough.
Their boss, Adam Murray, has challenged his players to continue that form against a Morecambe team with three wins from 15 on their travels this season.
He told Kidderminster’s website: “Like I’ve said in this competition all the way through it, I want to win and get through to the next round.
“We’re going up against a team in a higher league and we want to win it.
“We’re at home and I expect us to perform at home.
“I think we put our own pressure on ourselves to be the best version of us.
“It will be a good challenge for us to show that.
“They’ve had a tricky season and obviously had a tricky time as a club.
“They play a certain style of football that is pleasing to watch and we’ve got to make sure we put our style on it.
“So it’ll be a really good game and I think it’ll be a good one for the supporters as well, but we’re just enjoying being at home at the minute.”
As well as a place in round five, victory on Saturday will be worth £5,250 from the competition’s central prize fund with £1,500 going to the losing team.
Morecambe will go into the game having seen a second loanee leave the club this week.
Maldini Kacurri’s return to Arsenal on Monday was followed by QPR recalling Elijah Dixon-Bonner on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old joined Morecambe in mid-September, scoring once in 17 league and cup matches.