Harriers playing for a place at Wembley (From Worcester News)

Harriers playing for a place at Wembley

9:00am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Steve Burr said his players could not be any more confident in their bid to reach the FA Trophy final.

Stevenage Borough stand between Harriers and a second trip to Wembley for the final of non-league’s showpiece knock-out competition in three years.

On that occasion, in May 2007, the Aggborough side were beaten 3-2 by Stevenage in a thrilling contest.

But tomorrow (3pm) they can set the record straight when they host the Blue Square Premier leaders in the first leg of their semi-final battle.

“Confidence couldn’t be any higher at the moment — that comes with winning matches and not being beaten.”

Steve Burr

Victory would give them the advantage going into the return at Broadhall Way the following Saturday and Burr is relishing the prospect.

Harriers have been riding on the crest of a wave with a nine-game unbeaten run since the former Stalybridge Celtic boss took over from Mark Yates in January.

That included a 2-1 win at Oxford United in the quarter-finals to edge them to the brink of a Wembley return.

“It’s a huge game and we are looking forward to it,” Burr said. “Confidence couldn’t be any higher at the moment — that comes with winning matches and not being beaten. I am pleased with how the lads have performed.

“We have to try and play our own game and carry on like we have been doing.

“Some of the football has been great but, whatever happens tomorrow, there’s still another 90 minutes of football to be played.”

Burr will also be instructing his players to revel in the atmosphere and not to run scared of the occasion.

He said: “I will be telling them to think about Wembley with every tackle and every header because that could make the difference.

“The prize is Wembley and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the players. I had the honour of appearing there twice and it’s an experience you never forget.”

Striker Robbie Matthews, who played the final 15 minutes of last Saturday’s 0-0 league draw at Eastbourne Borough, is in contention after recovering from the illness which forced him to miss training this week.

However, player assistant-manager John Finnigan continues to be a doubt with a calf complaint.

Harriers are also without midfielders Marc Goodfellow and Jack Byrne as both loanees are cup-tied.

Stevenage are in fine form, having won their last four matches without conceding a goal and scoring 13 times in the process.

Graham Westley’s side made the Trophy last four with a 2-1 victory over Blue Square North outfit Workington.