The Fleet will aim for a pair of doubles this weekend – the first back-to-back wins of the campaign following last week’s triumph at Boundary Park as well as a double over rock-bottom Kidderminster Harriers, with Saturday’s fixture the first ‘rematch’ of the season.
Form guide
Although both clubs are currently in the relegation places, the Fleet will head to Aggborough with confidence after the emphatic win at Oldham Athletic – and a strong away record on their travels over the past few weeks. Kidderminster sit bottom of the National League and have collected just three wins this season which has taken their points tally to 16. Despite such form, the Harriers have picked up back-to-back draws against Hartlepool and Oxford City.
Last time out
Fleet fans will be happy enough if this first return fixture of 2023/24 goes in any way similarly to the August game at the Kuflink Stadium with the three points awarded to the home side. Three goals and a clean sheet produced two goals from Dominic Poleon and a strike from Luke O’Neill. The visitors did play a high percentage of the match with 10 men when Alex Penny was dismissed in the 34th minute.
Our last visit
Almost seven years ago was Fleet’s last trip when the National North promotion chasers hosted the National South high-flyers in the FA Trophy. Marking one-time player of the year Stuart Lewis’s last game in a Fleet shirt, it was one of the Fleet’s poorest performances that season as Harriers did most of the damage in the first-half, going on to win 3-0. After that defeat, Fleet went on a superb run in the league ending in play-off final victory.
New faces at the Aggborough Stadium
Bailey Hodson – the 21-year-old attacking midfielder signed for the Harriers in September on loan from Chesterfield and has played 12 matches with three goals for the hosts.
Ryan McLean – Kidderminster have opted for the loan route also for Ryan McLean who became the second of three loan signings in the past three months. Arriving from AFC Wimbledon until January, McLean showcased his talent in non-league for Hereford before earning a move into the EFL, where he then signed for the Dons.
Ben Tollitt – On loan from last week’s Fleet opponents Oldham Athletic, Tollitt is the newest face at Aggborough, having joined at the start of November. The 29-year-old has played for the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Peterborough and Wrexham.
Club connections
Before making the move to the Fleet, Omari Sterling-James spent a season at Kidderminster, scoring 13 goals in 53 appearances, playing a huge part in the team that made that memorable Emirates FA Cup run where they narrowly lost to West Ham.
Ticket info
Fleet fans will need to purchase their tickets online only for Saturday’s match – no tickets are available to purchase at the gate for away fans. Online purchase for all fans is available up to 15 minutes after kick-off. Any supporters needing assistance with purchasing online can contact Kidderminster before matchday on 01562 823 931.
Please also note that Aggborough Stadium is a cashless venue.
