Burr craves FA cup victory (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Burr craves FA cup victory

8:00am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

STEVE Burr believes Kidderminster Harriers must overcome the odds if they are to end their FA Cup agony.

The Aggborough outfit face a tough test in the fourth qualifying round at high-flying Grimsby Town on Saturday (3pm ko).

While the Reds have improved steadily after a disastrous start to the season, the Mariners’ home advantage leaves them favourites in this top versus bottom clash to progress and pocket £12,500 in prize money.

But the manager is ‘desperate’ for a cup run after failing to win a match in the world’s oldest club knockout competition since taking over at Harriers in 2010.

Since reaching the third round in the 2008-09 campaign, they have been dumped out by Fleetwood, York and Corby at the first time of asking.

This season has seen an abnormally high number of Blue Square Bet Premier sides drawn together, with eight non-league top-flight ties.

“When I saw the draw I was disappointed because it’s not going to be an easy game,” said Burr.

“Grimsby are a very solid side and they don’t lose many games at home.

“But I am sure when they see we’ve been on a decent run of form they’ll know they’re in for a tough game.

“We’ve been unlucky in the cup in some respect. Been drawn against York and Grimsby was always going to be a test.

“Corby at home last season was a missed opportunity. I am desperate for a cup run, I haven’t had one for some time and it would be great if we got through.

“The differences between the sides at our level is minimal and it could be small decisions which dictate if we win, lose or draw.”

Harriers go into the game in good spirits, despite Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Stockport ending their nine-match unbeaten run.

The defeat saw them slip back into the bottom four in the league, despite winning three of the four previous matches.

Burr said: “It’s frustrating because that’s our first loss in 10 games and then you see where we are in the table.

“If we had even picked up four points from those first few games it would have made a difference.

“All we can do is keep picking up the wins and move up the table.”

Harriers will be without the services of on-loan midfielder Adam Watkins, who has not been given permission to play by Luton, but Fulham front man Richard Peniket is eligible for the cup clash.

Meanwhile, wideman Danny Pilkington is a doubt after injuring his knee in training.

Winger Ricky Shakes could be available after returning from international duty with Guayana, who lost 5-0 to Mexico and 7-0 to Costa Rica.

The replay will be held at Aggborough on Tuesday if the two sides cannot be separated at the weekend.

Burr also confirmed he was weighing up whether to send several fringe players on loan in a bid for them to gain match fitness. Harriers have already sent defender Tom Sharpe to Hinckley.

l Match report — Page 98