Play-off Preview: Kidderminster Harriers v Chester FC

Chester FC travel to Aggborough, on Sunday afternoon, with a chance to build on Wednesday’s dramatic Eliminator success over Buxton and reach the National League North play-off final.

The midweek win saw Iwan Murray open the scoring before a close-range finish from Tommy Elliott forced the contest into extra-time.

Harrison Burke found the answer for the Seals though, as he struck a powerful half-volley into the corner of the net in the 108th minute to claim victory.

Calum McIntyre’s men will be backed by a sold out away end in Worcestershire on Sunday, after 1,300 Seals secured their tickets in less than an hour for the clash.

The Opposition

Kidderminster saw an opportunity to lift the title slip through their grasp on the final day of the regular season when they were defeated at Southport.

Phil Brown’s side were on a fantastic run of 13 outings without defeat before they travelled to Haig Avenue, but goals either side of half-time courtesy of Tom Moore and Danny Philliskirk were enough for all three points.

This allowed Brackley Town to move into top spot thanks to a comfortable success over Farsley Celtic, whilst Scunthorpe United also rose above the Harriers with a win over Hereford.

Our two meetings with the Carpetmen this season have both been tight encounters that have culminated in 1-1 draws.

The away trip saw a late penalty from Charlie Caton earn us a point, before Burke’s scoring form continued in the home tie as he grabbed the opening goal in the sixth minute.

The Gaffer

Ex-Premier League boss Phil Brown has been the man tasked with an immediate return to the National League.

The 65-year-old was appointed in January 2024 but failed to save the club from relegation to the sixth tier, as they finished seven points adrift from safety.

Brown’s most notable stint came at Hull City between 2006-2010, a stretch which saw the Tigers earn promotion to the top flight of English football for the first time.

This came after a memorable play-off victory over Bristol City at Wembley, in which Dean Windass, at the age of 39, netted the sole goal with a spectacular volleyed effort.

After his departure from Hull, Brown has held roles at Preston North End, Southend United and Swindon Town, as well as a stint in India which saw him manage Pune City and Hyderabad FC.

One To Watch

Ashley Hemmings has been a dangerous weapon for the Worcestershire-based outfit all campaign and sits top of the National League North scoring charts.

Hemmings has bagged 30 goals throughout the campaign, with one coming against the Blues in the 1-1 draw at the Deva Stadium.

Kidderminster’s brilliant end-of-season form coincided with Hemming’s best period of the campaign in March and April.

The 34-year-old netted hat-tricks in the wins over South Shields, Needham Market and Curzon Ashton, and also scored crucial goals in the wins over Brackley Town and Rushall Olympic.

Hemmings has been at Aggborough for almost six years since he made the switch from AFC Fylde in October 2019, following a long career that has seen him feature for a plethora of clubs including Dagenham & Redbridge, Mansfield Town and Boston United.

League Form Guide

Kidderminster Harriers | W27 D8 L11 | F86 A37 | Pos 3rd

Last three

Rushall Olympic (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Ashley Hemmings, David Davis

Hereford (H) | W 5-1 | Scorers: David Worral, Amari Morgan-Smith x2, Maz Kouyhar x2

Southport (A) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Reiss McNally.

Chester FC | W25 D12 L9 | F73 A45 | Pos: 4th

Last three

Marine (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Harrison Burke, Iwan Murray

King’s Lynn Town (A) | W 3-0 | Scorers: Kurt Willoughby, Jack Bainbridge, Dylan Mottley-Henry

Buxton (H) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Iwan Murray, Harrison Burke.

Match Preview by Tom Bird.

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off is 3pm on Sunday, at the Aggborough Stadium.