PREVIEW: Southport v Harriers (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

PREVIEW: Southport v Harriers

1:00pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News

GARY Whild believes Harriers will need to win at least six of their last seven games if they are to win the Blue Square Bet Premier.

The Aggborogh outfit sit at the top of the table because of their superior goal-difference to second-placed Mansfield.

But all of the top five could still take the title and win automatic promotion to the Football League in one of the most open leadership battles in years.

The Reds have seven matches left and even though all their rivals have games in hand, they are very much in the running.

In recent seasons, the likes of Fleetwood and Crawley Town have dominated the league and topped the table with more than 100 points.

But it looks as though a figure in the 90s points region would be enough this year.

“The league is so open this season it’s hard to tell how many points are needed to win the league,” commented Harriers’ assistant boss.

“It’s going to be less because you haven’t got the likes of Fleetwood or Crawley running away with it.

“I would think if we win six of our last seven games then we’ll be very close.”

Harriers will be hoping to continue their remarkable run of form in Merseyside for Saturday’s 1pm kick-off against Southport.

Liam Watson’s team have lost the last four matches and will be without the services of goalkeeper Tony McMillan, who was sent off against Tamworth on Tuesday night for handling the ball out of the box.

The Sandgrounders have also drafted in former Shrewsbury keeper Ben Smith, who is set to make his debut on Saturday.

Meanwhile, right-back Lee Vaughan is expected to have recovered from the knock sustained in Tuesday’s dramatic win over Newport.

Kyle Storer is available after serving his two-match ban and the Reds have no new injury worries. Jack Byrne is also back in light training after recovering from his serious break.

But manager Steve Burr may make some changes to the team in order to keep his squad fresh for the run-in.

Fans unable to make the game can follow all the action with Shuttle Online’s live match blog, which will have team news as well as all the action from Haig Avenue.