Kidderminster Harriers boss Steve Burr hopes Hereford setback was a blip (From Worcester News)

Kidderminster Harriers boss Steve Burr hopes Hereford setback was a blip

9:00am Friday 4th January 2013 in Sport By Steve Carley - Midlands Sports Journalist of the Year 2013, @stevecarleyWN

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are determined to make sure defeat against Hereford United on New Year’s Day was just a blip in their quest for promotion.

Steve Burr’s side host bottom-of-the-table Barrow tomorrow (3pm) looking to put that derby-day reverse behind them and pick up where they left off in 2012.

Until the Bulls won 1-0 at Aggborough, hours after Burr was named manager of the month, Harriers had propelled themselves into the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off picture with seven successive victories.

However, the Kidderminster boss was happy with his side’s most recent performance and will seek a repeat against the Cumbrians.

He said: “We did everything but score. We’re disappointed with the result but were very pleased with the performance.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more from the players and the Hereford goal did lead a charmed life.

“It was just one of those days — sometimes you get what you deserve and we certainly didn’t.”

Jamille Matt, the division’s player of the month for December, aims to open his account for the year having signed a contract at Aggborough until the end of the 2013-14 season.

Centre-half Josh Gowling, however, remains in talks over a new deal having been a major factor in the team’s success since arriving in the summer.

The 29-year-old’s contract is up following the Barrow game but Harriers remain upbeat about their chances of keeping hold of the former Lincoln player.

Chairman Mark Serrell said: “We’re still talking to Josh. He’s been an important player for the club since joining and we are still hopeful.

“But we cannot compete with the big spenders in the Conference or the Football League.”

Harriers wingers Danny Pilkington (thigh) and Marvin Johnson (broken toe) are out, and midfielder Kyle Storer is doubtful after having stitches in a knee injury.