Harriers go into this weekend’s crunch match with Grimsby knowing a win could very well put them back in contention for a place in the play-offs.

A dip in form over the last month, coinciding with the immigration-row surrounding Jamille Matt, has left the club chasing the leading pack as we enter the final straight of the season.

However, a win at Blundell Park on Saturday would see Steve Burr’s men leapfrog their opponents and give the side a huge confidence boost.

Both the Harriers and Grimsby are currently level on 64 points, having played the same number of games. They have also won (18) and lost (12) the same number of matches. The goal difference is also pretty close, with the Mariners just four goals better off. It really is that tight.

The reverse fixture back in September ended in a 1-1 draw. That day Anthony Elding grabbed a last minute equaliser for the visitors after Nick Wright had put the Harriers ahead early on. Kyle Storer also saw red in that game, albeit somewhat harshly, if my memory serves me correctly.

Mansfield and Southport both have home fixtures this weekend, against Ebbsfleet and Hayes & Yeading, respectively. Tuesday evening then sees Luton travel to Gateshead and York visit Newport. At this point I would normally put on my prediction hat, however, I have given up my mystic meg impersonation as this season has become the definition of unpredictable – well, apart from the fact that Fleetwood look set to win the title.

All I am going to say on the matter is that three points would be huge. No, scrap that. Huge doesn’t really do it justice. It’s a must-win game.

In fact, the next two matches will ultimately define the club’s season. Straight after this weekend’s six-pointer there is another one away to Southport. Get two wins from these and the club will be making serious inroads on those above them in the table.

I just hope the team can express themselves on the pitch and play the kind of football that we all know they are capable of. Watching on, it sometimes seems to me that the side suffers from an inferiority complex against the ‘bigger’ teams. This is a great sense of frustration, as on our day we are more than a match for anybody in this league.

In my opinion, we just need that extra bit of belief in order to take the next step. Hopefully the upcoming match against Grimsby can provide that.

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