Take Harriers cup form into league — Josh Gowling (From Worcester News)

Take Harriers cup form into league — Josh Gowling

10:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in Sport

RELEGATION-threatened Kidderminster Harriers have been challenged to transfer their stunning FA Cup show into the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Harriers are fourth-from-bottom, despite just one defeat in 10 league matches, after starting the season with five straight losses.

However, Steve Burr’s men stormed to a 4-2 win at promotion-chasing Grimsby in the cup fourth qualifying round last weekend with three goals in the first 18 minutes.

They landed a plum first-round home draw with League One outfit Oldham Athletic but now have vital league business to attend to against mid-table Gateshead at Aggborough tomorrow (3pm).

Inspirational centre-half Josh Gowling, whose signing from Lincoln City helped turn around Harriers’ losing form, believes they can start flying up the table.

But the much-improved run has crucially included six draws and more victories are needed to claw away from the danger zone although they have won their last two home games — against Macclesfield Town and Hyde — 3-0.

Gowling, who has forged a blossoming partnership with Chey Dunkley at the back already this term, said: “If you look at the way we played against Grimsby, with the passing and movement, it was at times like a team playing in the Football League.

“The difference is teams at a higher level can play like that for longer periods but if we can find some consistency we will keep picking up results. When I joined the club, there was a feeling they were playing OK but weren’t getting the rub of the green but, to be fair to the lads, they have really put a run together.

“It’s a bit of a nightmare that we’re on a good run but are still so low down the table.”

Loan midfielder Adam Watkins returns after parent club Luton refused to let him play in the cup and could come in for his replacement Kyle Storer.

Winger Marvin Johnson is pushing for a recall after scoring the final goal at Grimsby but manager Burr appears to be happy with his front three of Anthony Malbon, Ryan Rowe and Nathan Blissett.