Having reached the third round proper of the competition last season, York City begin their latest FA Cup quest against Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough Stadium in the fourth qualifying round. After seeing off Bedworth United, Crewe Alexandra and Cambridge United last term, the Minstermen actually led at Premier League Stoke City through a Neil Barrett header before eventually going down 3-1. York have experienced nowhere near that kind of success this time around, struggling badly in the league and with a recent shock change of manager making it a very difficult past couple of months at Bootham Crescent. But they have since responded by bringing in a bright and ambitious leader from Tamworth in Gary Mills, who takes his new group of players away for the first time this weekend.
Vital Quotes:
“I think the FA Cup is a fantastic competition and it is one that I have a lot of good memories from as a player and a manager,” manager Steve Burr told Kidderminster’s official website. “I have been fortunate to have had a number of good cup runs and hopefully that can continue here. It is an opportunity for the club and the supporters, and for everyone involved. Everybody wants a cup run and for clubs at this level it is massive.”
“Kidderminster is a tough game for us but I want to be in the hat for that first round draw even if that means bringing them back here for a replay,” York boss Gary Mills told The Press. “I think this game has come at a good time. You play a hell of a lot of league games early on in our division and everybody looks forward to the Cup and the possibility of a good run. It`s a chance for everybody to make a name for themselves, as people here know having reached the third round last season. The competition is also important financially because the prize money is decent and nearly everyone is struggling financially in today`s game.”
Kidderminster Harriers Team News:
Midfielders Keith Briggs and Jack Byrne are both rated doubtful for Kidderminster, while Aaron Griffiths is suspended. Mike Williams was hoping to recover from a hip injury in time to feature, but on loan Wrexham striker Marc Williams has been refused permission to play. Ex-Tamworth midfielder Tom Shaw could earn himself a recall. Former player-coach John Finnigan left the club by mutual consent on Friday.
Kidderminster Harriers (probable): Lewis; Vaughan, Briscoe, Albrighton, Mike Williams, Blair, Shaw, McPhee, Gittings, Morris, Wright
Player to watch: Chris McPhee
Steady and reliable performer in midfield for the home side.
York City Team News:
The visitors are expected to include new signing Chris Smith and former Kidderminster winger David McDermott in their squad. However, manager Gary Mills will still be without Chris Carruthers despite him returning to training this week. Meanwhile, Levi Mackin and George Purcell are once again ruled out.
York City (from): Ingham, Courtney, Parslow, McGurk, Meredith, Till, Lawless, J. Smith, Racchi, Rankine, Gash, Beesley, Barrett, Fyfield, Sangare, Constantine, C. Smith, McDermott, Young
Player to watch: Chris Smith
Manager Gary Mills wasted little time in bringing his former Tamworth skipper back to Bootham Crescent.
Match Facts & Stats
The Minstermen have made only one previous cup visit to Aggborough Stadium when Adam Boyes netted in a 1-1 draw in the third round of the FA Trophy two years ago. York eventually won the replay following a record 13-12 penalty shoot-out.
Next Fixtures:
Kidderminster – Southport (A); York – Forest Green (A)
