*BS*Dover Athletic midfielder Liam Bellamy tells Jack O’Sullivan that the side are keen to going into the playoffs on a high by beating Forest Green Rovers at Crabble on Saturday – emphasising that the club’s supporters still have a vital role to play this season.*BF*

The 24-year-old, who has now been with the club for almost three years, expressed his delight in the side booking their playoff spot at Kidderminster Harriers last Saturday – but said it’s been on the cards all season long. He said: “At the start of the season, almost everybody outside of the club said we wouldn’t be contenders – or anywhere near the top.

“In the dressing room, however, we always believed our squad was strong enough. If we hadn’t finished in the playoff spots this season, then we would’ve all been very disappointed.

“We deserve to be in there. After 46 games, you finish where you deserve to – we’ve been consistently strong pretty much all season long and now we go into the playoffs with absolutely no fear.”

This weekend, Whites welcome Forest Green Rovers to Crabble in the final match of the regular season – a match which kicks off at 5.30pm. Despite both sides having secured a playoff spot already – Rovers are guaranteed second place – Bellamy says there is a real determination to finish on a high, and not take their foot off the gas, saying: “We will go out there and do what we do in every match – try to win. We want to finish strong and keep up the momentum.

“I’m not fussed who we play in the playoffs. Whether we finish third, fourth or fifth, and no matter who we end up against, we can beat anybody in this league – we’ve shown that throughout the season.

“Cheltenham have won the league but over the two games against them, I don’t think they were that much better than us. Look at the match at Crabble – we battered them for 85 minutes but lost it right at the end. That’s why they’re the champions though – they have ground out results throughout the season.

“Against Grimsby at Crabble we were superb. I thought that second half of football was as good as we’ve played all season, and I still don’t know how we only drew that game.

“I think we will go into it as the side that nobody fancies playing. The opposite goes for us though – we have confidence in our game and we’ll take anybody on.”

Bellamy was also keen to pay tribute to the club’s supporters, who have turned up to Crabble in their droves in recent weeks to help the side get over the line. He said: “The fans at Dover make an absolutely massive difference. They really are our 12th man. Against Grimsby, you could hear them throughout the whole game and the vibe around the place was brilliant. We want to keep Crabble as a fortress and we know the fans will be right behind us over the next few weeks.

“It’s not just at home though – look at Kidderminster away last weekend. They were so noisy and so supportive, it was great. When we went over to them after the game, you could feel the passion – as a team, we know how much this means to the fans and it means a lot to us as players too.

“The gaffer has got things spot on this season, especially with the type of players he has brought in. It’s always been just as much about the character of the players – we’re all close, and there’s no bad eggs in the side – which you do get at other clubs.

“There’s nobody here that is at the end of their career and just looking for a final payday. If we can keep the core of this squad together, then who knows what will happen in the future.

“Everybody here is young, hungry and ambitious and we all have one aim now – to win promotion.

Bellamy’s season has been disrupted at times through injury, but the former Charlton Athletic man knows how he wants to end the season: “I just want to play, and help the team by doing my best. I know what my role is within the team and I know the way the gaffer likes me to play. I just want to win football matches. Wembley would be great too..”

*BS*This Saturday, Dover Athletic take on Forest Green Rovers at Crabble in the last game of the regular season – despite already confirming their top-five spot, Whites will be keen to finish with a win going into the playoffs.*BF*

The side’s 1-1 draw at Kidderminster Harriers – which extended their excellent run of form – confirmed their participation into the end-of-season playoffs, but there’s still a lot riding on this weekend’s match against second-placed Forest Green Rovers.

A positive result for Chris Kinnear’s men could see them finish the season as high as third place, which would mean the second leg of our playoff semi-final would be at Crabble – and what an occasion that would be!

Below, we have outlined some important information which supporters should familiarise themselves with ahead of Saturday’s big match – we are aware that not all supporters have internet access, so your help in communicating these points to all supporters would be gratefully received.

*BS*PRE-MATCH*BF*
All Vanarama National League matches this weekend – including our game – will kick-off at the later time of 5.30pm. Gates at Crabble will open at 2.30pm on Saturday, and supporters are encouraged to arrive early – we are expecting a big crowd for this fixture to celebrate the side’s achievements, so be sure to get to Crabble in plenty of time to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere and avoid queues both at the turnstiles and the bar.

This match will *IS*NOT*IF* be segregated.

*BS*POST-MATCH*BF*
After the game, we welcome all supporters to make their way to the Centre Spot. We will be holding our annual End of Season Awards evening, which is scheduled to take place between 8pm and 9pm, giving fans the chance to congratulate the squad and management team on this season’s efforts – plus see who has won the five awards up for grabs. We will be presenting awards for Club Person of the Year, Players’ Player of the Season, Golden Boot, and the two awards voted for by you, by the supporters – Goal of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season. The bar will remain open for refreshments to be purchased.

As a club, we are continuing along a very exciting and historic path – and every supporter has their part to play over the coming weeks.

We thank you for your support thus far this season and look forward to Crabble rocking over the next two home games!

*BS*Dover Athletic midfielder Liam Bellamy tells Jack O’Sullivan that the side are keen to going into the playoffs on a high by beating Forest Green Rovers at Crabble on Saturday – emphasising that the club’s supporters still have a vital role to play this season.*BF*

The 24-year-old, who has now been with the club for almost three years, expressed his delight in the side booking their playoff spot at Kidderminster Harriers last Saturday – but said it’s been on the cards all season long. He said: “At the start of the season, almost everybody outside of the club said we wouldn’t be contenders – or anywhere near the top.

“In the dressing room, however, we always believed our squad was strong enough. If we hadn’t finished in the playoff spots this season, then we would’ve all been very disappointed.

“We deserve to be in there. After 46 games, you finish where you deserve to – we’ve been consistently strong pretty much all season long and now we go into the playoffs with absolutely no fear.”

This weekend, Whites welcome Forest Green Rovers to Crabble in the final match of the regular season – a match which kicks off at 5.30pm. Despite both sides having secured a playoff spot already – Rovers are guaranteed second place – Bellamy says there is a real determination to finish on a high, and not take their foot off the gas, saying: “We will go out there and do what we do in every match – try to win. We want to finish strong and keep up the momentum.

“I’m not fussed who we play in the playoffs. Whether we finish third, fourth or fifth, and no matter who we end up against, we can beat anybody in this league – we’ve shown that throughout the season.

“Cheltenham have won the league but over the two games against them, I don’t think they were that much better than us. Look at the match at Crabble – we battered them for 85 minutes but lost it right at the end. That’s why they’re the champions though – they have ground out results throughout the season.

“Against Grimsby at Crabble we were superb. I thought that second half of football was as good as we’ve played all season, and I still don’t know how we only drew that game.

“I think we will go into it as the side that nobody fancies playing. The opposite goes for us though – we have confidence in our game and we’ll take anybody on.”

Bellamy was also keen to pay tribute to the club’s supporters, who have turned up to Crabble in their droves in recent weeks to help the side get over the line. He said: “The fans at Dover make an absolutely massive difference. They really are our 12th man. Against Grimsby, you could hear them throughout the whole game and the vibe around the place was brilliant. We want to keep Crabble as a fortress and we know the fans will be right behind us over the next few weeks.

“It’s not just at home though – look at Kidderminster away last weekend. They were so noisy and so supportive, it was great. When we went over to them after the game, you could feel the passion – as a team, we know how much this means to the fans and it means a lot to us as players too.

“The gaffer has got things spot on this season, especially with the type of players he has brought in. It’s always been just as much about the character of the players – we’re all close, and there’s no bad eggs in the side – which you do get at other clubs.

“There’s nobody here that is at the end of their career and just looking for a final payday. If we can keep the core of this squad together, then who knows what will happen in the future.

“Everybody here is young, hungry and ambitious and we all have one aim now – to win promotion.

Bellamy’s season has been disrupted at times through injury, but the former Charlton Athletic man knows how he wants to end the season: “I just want to play, and help the team by doing my best. I know what my role is within the team and I know the way the gaffer likes me to play. I just want to win football matches. Wembley would be great too..”

*BS*This Saturday, Dover Athletic take on Forest Green Rovers at Crabble in the last game of the regular season – despite already confirming their top-five spot, Whites will be keen to finish with a win going into the playoffs.*BF*

The side’s 1-1 draw at Kidderminster Harriers – which extended their excellent run of form – confirmed their participation into the end-of-season playoffs, but there’s still a lot riding on this weekend’s match against second-placed Forest Green Rovers.

A positive result for Chris Kinnear’s men could see them finish the season as high as third place, which would mean the second leg of our playoff semi-final would be at Crabble – and what an occasion that would be!

Below, we have outlined some important information which supporters should familiarise themselves with ahead of Saturday’s big match – we are aware that not all supporters have internet access, so your help in communicating these points to all supporters would be gratefully received.

*BS*PRE-MATCH*BF*
All Vanarama National League matches this weekend – including our game – will kick-off at the later time of 5.30pm. Gates at Crabble will open at 2.30pm on Saturday, and supporters are encouraged to arrive early – we are expecting a big crowd for this fixture to celebrate the side’s achievements, so be sure to get to Crabble in plenty of time to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere and avoid queues both at the turnstiles and the bar.

This match will *IS*NOT*IF* be segregated.

*BS*POST-MATCH*BF*
After the game, we welcome all supporters to make their way to the Centre Spot. We will be holding our annual End of Season Awards evening, which is scheduled to take place between 8pm and 9pm, giving fans the chance to congratulate the squad and management team on this season’s efforts – plus see who has won the five awards up for grabs. We will be presenting awards for Club Person of the Year, Players’ Player of the Season, Golden Boot, and the two awards voted for by you, by the supporters – Goal of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season. The bar will remain open for refreshments to be purchased.

As a club, we are continuing along a very exciting and historic path – and every supporter has their part to play over the coming weeks.

We thank you for your support thus far this season and look forward to Crabble rocking over the next two home games!

*BS*The Dover Athletic Youth Section have announced details of their upcoming trials – for under 13, under 14 and under 18 age groups – taking place across three weekends next month.*BF*

*BS**IS*Dover Athletic U13’s 2016/17*BF**IF*

Dover Athletic will be holding trials for next seasons U13’s on Saturday 21st May from 10.30am-12.30pm at River Recreation Ground, Lower Road, River, Dover, CT17 0LW.

The team is being Coached by FA qualified / experienced coaches who will develop players individually and as a team encouraging them to maximise their football potential in a structured environment.

We are looking for players in all positions. We are particularly looking for players who have played at District Schools level but are happy to consider players who have played in other Leagues also as we are fully aware that not all players attain a set standard at a set age.

If you are interested in joining the team or have any questions about the trial, please contact Paul Hignett on 07515 287410.

*BS**IS*Dover Athletic U14’s 2016/17 *BF**IF*

Dover Athletic will be holding trials for next seasons U14’s on Saturday 14th May from 9.30am-11.30am at Betteshanger Sports & Social Club, Cavell Square, Deal, CT14 9HR

The team is being Coached by FA qualified / experienced coaches who will develop players individually and as a team encouraging them to maximise their football potential in a structured environment.

We are looking for players in all positions. We are particularly looking for players who have played at District Schools or Kent Youth League level already but are happy to consider players who have played in other Leagues also as we are fully aware that not all players attain a set standard at a set age.

If you are interested in joining the team or have any questions about the trial, please contact Paul Coulson on 07902 864567.

*BS**IS*Dover Athletic U18’s 2016/17 *BF**IF*

Dover Athletic will be holding trials for next seasons U18’s on Saturday 7th May from 10am-12pm at The Danes Recreation Ground, Old Charlton Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 2QB.

The team is being Coached by FA qualified / experienced coaches who will develop players individually and as a team encouraging them to maximise their football potential in a structured environment.

The 2015/16 season saw two players from Dover Athletic U18’s play for the Kent FA U18 Representative team which demonstrates the opportunities available to our players.

We are looking for players in all positions. We are particularly looking for players who have played at District Schools or Kent Youth League level already but are happy to consider players who have played in other Leagues also as we are fully aware that not all players attain a set standard at a set age.

If you are interested in joining the team or have any questions about the trial, please contact Chris Lynch our Head of Youth Development on 07946 136866.

*BS*The Dover Athletic Youth Section have announced details of their upcoming trials – for under 13, under 14 and under 18 age groups – taking place across three weekends next month.*BF*

*BS**IS*Dover Athletic U13’s 2016/17*BF**IF*

Dover Athletic will be holding trials for next seasons U13’s on Saturday 21st May from 10.30am-12.30pm at River Recreation Ground, Lower Road, River, Dover, CT17 0LW.

The team is being Coached by FA qualified / experienced coaches who will develop players individually and as a team encouraging them to maximise their football potential in a structured environment.

We are looking for players in all positions. We are particularly looking for players who have played at District Schools level but are happy to consider players who have played in other Leagues also as we are fully aware that not all players attain a set standard at a set age.

If you are interested in joining the team or have any questions about the trial, please contact Paul Hignett on 07515 287410.

*BS**IS*Dover Athletic U14’s 2016/17 *BF**IF*

Dover Athletic will be holding trials for next seasons U14’s on Saturday 14th May from 9.30am-11.30am at Betteshanger Sports & Social Club, Cavell Square, Deal, CT14 9HR

The team is being Coached by FA qualified / experienced coaches who will develop players individually and as a team encouraging them to maximise their football potential in a structured environment.

We are looking for players in all positions. We are particularly looking for players who have played at District Schools or Kent Youth League level already but are happy to consider players who have played in other Leagues also as we are fully aware that not all players attain a set standard at a set age.

If you are interested in joining the team or have any questions about the trial, please contact Paul Coulson on 07902 864567.

*BS**IS*Dover Athletic U18’s 2016/17 *BF**IF*

Dover Athletic will be holding trials for next seasons U18’s on Saturday 7th May from 10am-12pm at The Danes Recreation Ground, Old Charlton Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 2QB.

The team is being Coached by FA qualified / experienced coaches who will develop players individually and as a team encouraging them to maximise their football potential in a structured environment.

The 2015/16 season saw two players from Dover Athletic U18’s play for the Kent FA U18 Representative team which demonstrates the opportunities available to our players.

We are looking for players in all positions. We are particularly looking for players who have played at District Schools or Kent Youth League level already but are happy to consider players who have played in other Leagues also as we are fully aware that not all players attain a set standard at a set age.

If you are interested in joining the team or have any questions about the trial, please contact Chris Lynch our Head of Youth Development on 07946 136866.

NULL

NULL

*IS**BS*Kidderminster Harriers vs Dover Athletic
Saturday 23rd April 2016 – 3.00pm kick-off
Referee: Ryan Johnson*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
With just two matches left to play in the Vanarama National League this season, Dover Athletic Football Club are on the brink of history. Whites have a four-point cushion ahead of Eastleigh, who occupy sixth place, and a far superior goal difference over the sides sitting in fifth and sixth.

Mathematically, Whites still need three points to seal a playoff spot, however – owing to the better goal difference – two points would, 99% of the time, also be enough.

To save any last day tension, Whites will be looking to get the job done this weekend when they travel to Kidderminster Harriers. Win, and they can go into the last game of the season – at home to Forest Green Rovers – knowing that their playoff spot is secure.

Of course, depending on both Braintree and Eastleigh get on this weekend – away at Wrexham, and at home to Tranmere Rovers respectively – Whites could even lose this Saturday, and still secure their playoff spot.. the full list of permutations and possibilities is here: *Link1*

Saturday’s opponents, Kidderminster Harriers, had their relegation confirmed last weekend when they failed to beat Barrow. Subsequently, they will drop out of the top flight of non-league football for the first time since the 1982/83 season – and will be missed. Harriers are a name synonymous with football at this level, but have under-performed all season long. They have sat in the bottom four of the division ever since August.

However, their recent form has actually shown signs of improvement – and Whites will face a wounded animal this weekend, perhaps a side who can now play without pressure. They appointed a new manager on Thursday – former Coventry City, Derby County, Stoke City and Watford midfielder John Eustace. He will take charge in the summer, however players will be looking to impress in their final two games of the season.

Harriers’ only real aim for the rest of the season is to avoid finishing in bottom spot. They are one place, and one point, ahead of Welling United – so will be keen to pick up points between now and the end of the month.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Kidderminster Harriers FC | Manager: John Eustace
Ground: Aggborough | Nickname: Kiddy, Harriers, Carpetmen, The Reds

Still proudly bearing the ‘Harriers’ moniker 130 years after formation, Kidderminster Harriers existed as an athletics club in its early years, moving into rugby in 1880 before venturing into football; starting to play the game as we know it now in 1886 as association football came to the town for the first time.

The Birmingham and District League was formed in 1889; Kidderminster Olympic pipping Harriers to the title before the two clubs merged in 1890 under the Harriers banner. Harriers continued in the Birmingham League until 1939, winning the Championship in consecutive seasons (1938 and 1939), clinching a league and cup double in the latter campaign.

The club’s move to the Southern League for 1939-40 proved short-lived as the Second World War intervened after only three games. Immediately after the war Harriers played in the Birmingham League and Birmingham Combination before re-joining The Southern League in 1948-49. That Season the record attendance was registered for a game at Aggborough, when 9,155 spectators saw Harriers lose 0-3 to local rivals Hereford United in an FA Cup tie.

In 1951-52 the revolutionary use of floodlights by the club gave Harriers the distinction of staging the first floodlit games in the history of the FA Cup at Aggborough. Harriers’ next championship was the Birmingham Senior Cup in 1964, and a further 23 trophies – including four League Championships – were won before Harriers re-joined the Southern League in 1972. Promotion to the Alliance Premier League (Football Conference) was clinched at the end of 1982-83.

The club’s elevation to the Alliance Premier League (Conference) ushered in a quarter of a century of unprecedented success for the Harriers that would see them win every major honour in the Non-League game and ultimately become the 21st Century’s first newcomers to the Football League.

Away from league action, 1987 saw Harriers qualify for a Final at Wembley Stadium for the first time. The fixture was the FA Trophy against Burton Albion. After a 0-0 draw, Kidderminster went on to win the replay 2-1 (after extra time) at the Hawthorns. Harriers have since graced the Wembley turf on three further, heart-breaking occasions; losing to Wycombe (1991), Woking (1995) and Stevenage (2007) in finals, the latter in front of a record crowd of 53,000 at the newly-rebuilt national arena.

In the FA Cup, Harriers remain perennial headline makers. The team’s most memorable cup run was perhaps that of the 1993/94 season when giants aplenty came head to head with Worcestershire’s premier side. Chesham United, Kettering and Woking were all downed as Harriers entered the Third Round draw – paired with Birmingham City. The reds secured one of the most memorable victories in its history at St Andrew’s, winning 2-1 in front of almost 20,000 fans thanks to Jon Purdie’s clincher. More joy followed in the Fourth Round and Preston North End were duly dispatched at a packed Aggborough, the mazy run only coming to an end at the hands of top-flight West Ham United, who sneaked an agonising 1-0 victory on the day.

Further runs since have kept Harriers up there as a true giant killers – they gave a true fright to then Premier League neighbours Wolves in 2003 before being knocked out in a Molineux replay, while Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough were beaten on a memorable night at London Road ten years later, setting up a plum tie at Premier League Sunderland, where Harriers were beaten by a single goal in front of more than 4,000 travelling fans.

The turn of the millennium signalled undoubtedly one of the most memorable periods in the club’s illustrious history. Under the stewardship of former Liverpool legend Jan Molby, Harriers clinched promotion to the Football League for the first time in 2000, where they enjoyed five seasons.

Harriers returned to a very different non-league scene in 2005, and have continued to relish their annual underdogs tally, under the management of the likes of former captain, Mark Yates, and one-time Macclesfield Town striker, Steve Burr. Led by the latter and his assistant, Gary Whild, the team came within a single goal of a return to the Football League in 2013, losing out to Mansfield as the title race went down to the final day; Burr’s men beaten in the play-offs.

Financial instability has plagued the club over much of the last five years but, under a new Board of Directors including Chairman, Rod Brown, a true revitalisation of the club on and off the field has ushered in a new era of care and caution throughout.

*BS*RECENT FORM*BF*
Coming into the game, Whites have a record of three wins, two draws and one defeat in their last six Vanarama National League matches. Wins were picked up against FC Halifax Town (1-0), Altrincham (2-1) and Wrexham (1-0), with draws against Macclesfield Town (0-0) and Grimsby Town (1-1) and a defeat to Boreham Wood (0-3).

Kidderminster’s record over the same number of matches shows two wins, three draws and one defeat. The victories came against Welling United (2-1) and FC Halifax Town (1-0), with draws against Woking (1-1), Altrincham (1-1) and Barrow (0-0), and a defeat suffered against Tranmere Rovers (0-2).

*BS*HOME AND AWAY*BF*
Away from home this season, Dover have the sixth best record in the division, with ten wins and five draws accumulated from 22 matches on their travels.

At home this season, Kidderminster have the 22nd best record in the division. They have won five and drawn six of their 22 matches at Aggborough.

*BS*RECENT MEETINGS*BF*
11/08/2015: Dover Athletic 3-2 Kidderminster Harriers
14/03/2015: Kidderminster Harriers 0-2 Dover Athletic
30/08/2014: Dover Athletic 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers

*BS*MEMORABLE MEETING*BF*
*IS*Saturday 14th March 2015
National League – Kidderminster Harriers 0-2 Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic bagged their first goal and first point in the Vanarama Conference Dover Athletic returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday afternoon, finally ending a run of 6 league games without a win.

Whites travelled to the Aggborough in search of a much needed win which could potentially seal their safety in the Vanarama Conference for a second season, and take home the glory they did as Tom Murphy bagged a superb brace to deliver all three points back to Kent.

Murphy’s goals either side of half time were enough to complete a solid team performance against their out of form hosts and clock up 50 points for the season so far.

Kinnear and team will no doubt be pleased to return to winning ways, all the while keeping a clean sheet against a poor Kidderminster side who did little to trouble Whites’ defence too much.*IF*

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
Richard Orlu will serve the second leg of his three-match suspension, picked up following his dismissal against Macclesfield Town earlier in the month, so loanee Connor Essam can be expected to continue at centre-back in his absence. Whites are likely to name an unchanged line-up from the side that dominated Grimsby Town last weekend, with Sean Raggett and Ricky Modeste – who both came off after picking up knocks in that game – hoping to be fit.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
Whites’ top scorer in the league is Ricky Miller with nineteen, one goal ahead of Stefan Payne and five more than Nicky Deverdics.

Kidderminster’s top scorer in the league this season is Ben Whitfield, who has found the back of the net on six occasions thus far. The 19-year-old midfielder is on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth until the end of the season.

*BS*COVERAGE*BF*
The best place to see Saturday’s big game is at Aggborough, but for supporters unable to make the game, our Live Text service on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – will be running as usual.

*BS*VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Saturday 23rd April, 3.00pm*IF*
Aldershot v Southport (15th vs 16th)
Altrincham v Welling (22nd vs 24th)
Boreham Wood v Guiseley (20th vs 19th)
Eastleigh v Tranmere (6th vs 7th)
Forest Green v Halifax (2nd vs 21st)
Gateshead v Bromley (10th vs 13th)
Grimsby v Chester (3rd vs 18th)
Kidderminster v Dover (23rd vs 4th)
Lincoln City v Woking (11th vs 14th)
Macclesfield v Cheltenham (9th vs 1st)
Torquay v Barrow (17th vs 12th)
Wrexham v Braintree (8th vs 5th)

*IS**BS*Kidderminster Harriers vs Dover Athletic
Saturday 23rd April 2016 – 3.00pm kick-off
Referee: Ryan Johnson*BF**IF*

*BS*HEADLINES*BF*
With just two matches left to play in the Vanarama National League this season, Dover Athletic Football Club are on the brink of history. Whites have a four-point cushion ahead of Eastleigh, who occupy sixth place, and a far superior goal difference over the sides sitting in fifth and sixth.

Mathematically, Whites still need three points to seal a playoff spot, however – owing to the better goal difference – two points would, 99% of the time, also be enough.

To save any last day tension, Whites will be looking to get the job done this weekend when they travel to Kidderminster Harriers. Win, and they can go into the last game of the season – at home to Forest Green Rovers – knowing that their playoff spot is secure.

Of course, depending on both Braintree and Eastleigh get on this weekend – away at Wrexham, and at home to Tranmere Rovers respectively – Whites could even lose this Saturday, and still secure their playoff spot.. the full list of permutations and possibilities is here: *Link1*

Saturday’s opponents, Kidderminster Harriers, had their relegation confirmed last weekend when they failed to beat Barrow. Subsequently, they will drop out of the top flight of non-league football for the first time since the 1982/83 season – and will be missed. Harriers are a name synonymous with football at this level, but have under-performed all season long. They have sat in the bottom four of the division ever since August.

However, their recent form has actually shown signs of improvement – and Whites will face a wounded animal this weekend, perhaps a side who can now play without pressure. They appointed a new manager on Thursday – former Coventry City, Derby County, Stoke City and Watford midfielder John Eustace. He will take charge in the summer, however players will be looking to impress in their final two games of the season.

Harriers’ only real aim for the rest of the season is to avoid finishing in bottom spot. They are one place, and one point, ahead of Welling United – so will be keen to pick up points between now and the end of the month.

*BS*THE OPPOSITION*BF*
Name: Kidderminster Harriers FC | Manager: John Eustace
Ground: Aggborough | Nickname: Kiddy, Harriers, Carpetmen, The Reds

Still proudly bearing the ‘Harriers’ moniker 130 years after formation, Kidderminster Harriers existed as an athletics club in its early years, moving into rugby in 1880 before venturing into football; starting to play the game as we know it now in 1886 as association football came to the town for the first time.

The Birmingham and District League was formed in 1889; Kidderminster Olympic pipping Harriers to the title before the two clubs merged in 1890 under the Harriers banner. Harriers continued in the Birmingham League until 1939, winning the Championship in consecutive seasons (1938 and 1939), clinching a league and cup double in the latter campaign.

The club’s move to the Southern League for 1939-40 proved short-lived as the Second World War intervened after only three games. Immediately after the war Harriers played in the Birmingham League and Birmingham Combination before re-joining The Southern League in 1948-49. That Season the record attendance was registered for a game at Aggborough, when 9,155 spectators saw Harriers lose 0-3 to local rivals Hereford United in an FA Cup tie.

In 1951-52 the revolutionary use of floodlights by the club gave Harriers the distinction of staging the first floodlit games in the history of the FA Cup at Aggborough. Harriers’ next championship was the Birmingham Senior Cup in 1964, and a further 23 trophies – including four League Championships – were won before Harriers re-joined the Southern League in 1972. Promotion to the Alliance Premier League (Football Conference) was clinched at the end of 1982-83.

The club’s elevation to the Alliance Premier League (Conference) ushered in a quarter of a century of unprecedented success for the Harriers that would see them win every major honour in the Non-League game and ultimately become the 21st Century’s first newcomers to the Football League.

Away from league action, 1987 saw Harriers qualify for a Final at Wembley Stadium for the first time. The fixture was the FA Trophy against Burton Albion. After a 0-0 draw, Kidderminster went on to win the replay 2-1 (after extra time) at the Hawthorns. Harriers have since graced the Wembley turf on three further, heart-breaking occasions; losing to Wycombe (1991), Woking (1995) and Stevenage (2007) in finals, the latter in front of a record crowd of 53,000 at the newly-rebuilt national arena.

In the FA Cup, Harriers remain perennial headline makers. The team’s most memorable cup run was perhaps that of the 1993/94 season when giants aplenty came head to head with Worcestershire’s premier side. Chesham United, Kettering and Woking were all downed as Harriers entered the Third Round draw – paired with Birmingham City. The reds secured one of the most memorable victories in its history at St Andrew’s, winning 2-1 in front of almost 20,000 fans thanks to Jon Purdie’s clincher. More joy followed in the Fourth Round and Preston North End were duly dispatched at a packed Aggborough, the mazy run only coming to an end at the hands of top-flight West Ham United, who sneaked an agonising 1-0 victory on the day.

Further runs since have kept Harriers up there as a true giant killers – they gave a true fright to then Premier League neighbours Wolves in 2003 before being knocked out in a Molineux replay, while Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough were beaten on a memorable night at London Road ten years later, setting up a plum tie at Premier League Sunderland, where Harriers were beaten by a single goal in front of more than 4,000 travelling fans.

The turn of the millennium signalled undoubtedly one of the most memorable periods in the club’s illustrious history. Under the stewardship of former Liverpool legend Jan Molby, Harriers clinched promotion to the Football League for the first time in 2000, where they enjoyed five seasons.

Harriers returned to a very different non-league scene in 2005, and have continued to relish their annual underdogs tally, under the management of the likes of former captain, Mark Yates, and one-time Macclesfield Town striker, Steve Burr. Led by the latter and his assistant, Gary Whild, the team came within a single goal of a return to the Football League in 2013, losing out to Mansfield as the title race went down to the final day; Burr’s men beaten in the play-offs.

Financial instability has plagued the club over much of the last five years but, under a new Board of Directors including Chairman, Rod Brown, a true revitalisation of the club on and off the field has ushered in a new era of care and caution throughout.

*BS*RECENT FORM*BF*
Coming into the game, Whites have a record of three wins, two draws and one defeat in their last six Vanarama National League matches. Wins were picked up against FC Halifax Town (1-0), Altrincham (2-1) and Wrexham (1-0), with draws against Macclesfield Town (0-0) and Grimsby Town (1-1) and a defeat to Boreham Wood (0-3).

Kidderminster’s record over the same number of matches shows two wins, three draws and one defeat. The victories came against Welling United (2-1) and FC Halifax Town (1-0), with draws against Woking (1-1), Altrincham (1-1) and Barrow (0-0), and a defeat suffered against Tranmere Rovers (0-2).

*BS*HOME AND AWAY*BF*
Away from home this season, Dover have the sixth best record in the division, with ten wins and five draws accumulated from 22 matches on their travels.

At home this season, Kidderminster have the 22nd best record in the division. They have won five and drawn six of their 22 matches at Aggborough.

*BS*RECENT MEETINGS*BF*
11/08/2015: Dover Athletic 3-2 Kidderminster Harriers
14/03/2015: Kidderminster Harriers 0-2 Dover Athletic
30/08/2014: Dover Athletic 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers

*BS*MEMORABLE MEETING*BF*
*IS*Saturday 14th March 2015
National League – Kidderminster Harriers 0-2 Dover Athletic
Dover Athletic bagged their first goal and first point in the Vanarama Conference Dover Athletic returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday afternoon, finally ending a run of 6 league games without a win.

Whites travelled to the Aggborough in search of a much needed win which could potentially seal their safety in the Vanarama Conference for a second season, and take home the glory they did as Tom Murphy bagged a superb brace to deliver all three points back to Kent.

Murphy’s goals either side of half time were enough to complete a solid team performance against their out of form hosts and clock up 50 points for the season so far.

Kinnear and team will no doubt be pleased to return to winning ways, all the while keeping a clean sheet against a poor Kidderminster side who did little to trouble Whites’ defence too much.*IF*

*BS*TEAM NEWS*BF*
Richard Orlu will serve the second leg of his three-match suspension, picked up following his dismissal against Macclesfield Town earlier in the month, so loanee Connor Essam can be expected to continue at centre-back in his absence. Whites are likely to name an unchanged line-up from the side that dominated Grimsby Town last weekend, with Sean Raggett and Ricky Modeste – who both came off after picking up knocks in that game – hoping to be fit.

*BS*TOP SCORERS*BF*
Whites’ top scorer in the league is Ricky Miller with nineteen, one goal ahead of Stefan Payne and five more than Nicky Deverdics.

Kidderminster’s top scorer in the league this season is Ben Whitfield, who has found the back of the net on six occasions thus far. The 19-year-old midfielder is on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth until the end of the season.

*BS*COVERAGE*BF*
The best place to see Saturday’s big game is at Aggborough, but for supporters unable to make the game, our Live Text service on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – will be running as usual.

*BS*VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES*BF*
*IS*Saturday 23rd April, 3.00pm*IF*
Aldershot v Southport (15th vs 16th)
Altrincham v Welling (22nd vs 24th)
Boreham Wood v Guiseley (20th vs 19th)
Eastleigh v Tranmere (6th vs 7th)
Forest Green v Halifax (2nd vs 21st)
Gateshead v Bromley (10th vs 13th)
Grimsby v Chester (3rd vs 18th)
Kidderminster v Dover (23rd vs 4th)
Lincoln City v Woking (11th vs 14th)
Macclesfield v Cheltenham (9th vs 1st)
Torquay v Barrow (17th vs 12th)
Wrexham v Braintree (8th vs 5th)