Harriers banish February blues

The cold weather didn’t help matters, as it forced the league game against Tamworth to be postponed because of a frozen pitch, meaning the team went the best part of two weeks without playing any football.

The FA Trophy tie against Luton was also rearranged due to the bad weather. When the match did finally take place at Aggborough the club suffered a 2-1 defeat, meaning they were left with just the league to focus on (every cloud and all that). However, the next two games against Lincoln City and Wrexham yielded just one point. This owed nothing to a lack of effort; the players just didn’t get the rub of the green.

With the club now sitting just outside the play-off positions, last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Bath City was vital. A welcome three points and the side back to winning ways.

As it stands, only six points separate Barrow in tenth place and Southport in fourth, so it looks as though it is set to go down to the wire, again. Every game from now on has to be treated like a cup final.

Due to the numbers of matches that were called off during January and February the climax to the season is going to be a busy one. The Harriers have twelve fixtures remaining; six at home and six away.

For me, the crucial games are going to be against the likes of Barrow, Grimsby, Southport and Mansfield. I know at this stage of the season every game is going to be important, but taking points off those teams that are in and around us will count for double. Obviously, for this to matter the club must also do well in the other eight games.

The run in for Steve Burr’s men is something of a mixed bag, with fixtures against sides that are at opposite ends of the table. Away games against Southport and Fleetwood appear to be the most testing, although this season the Harriers have flourished on their travels, picking up nine wins in comparison to the seven victories at Aggborough.

Over the past four seasons the team finishing in fifth place has ended the campaign with a total of 78 points or higher. The highest total was 81, achieved by Burton is 2007-08 and Stevenage in 2008-09. Harriers are currently on 57 points in sixth place, with a total of 36 points left to play for.

Personally, I think with the squad that Burr has assembled the team can surpass the 80 point mark. It won’t be easy, but it is definitely achievable. Consistency is going to be the key.

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