MANAGER Steve Burr wants his Kidderminster Harriers players to harness the Aggborough atmosphere as they bid to reach the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final.
Despite trailing 2-1 to Wrexham following Tuesday’s semi-final first leg in north Wales when Michael Gash scored a penalty, the tie is intriguingly poised ahead of Sunday’s second-leg showdown (1.30pm).
Harriers know a victory by two clear goals would send them to Wembley on Sunday, May 5, and they will look to make the most of home advantage in a game televised by Premier Sports.
Nearly 6,500 packed into Aggborough for the 4-0 thrashing of Stockport County on the final day of the regular season and a similar number is expected this weekend.
Wrexham were cheered to victory by more than 6,000 supporters at the Racecourse Ground in mid-week and now it is the turn of the Harriers faithful to do the same for their team.
“We need the crowd to work in our favour,” Burr said.
”It was daunting at Wrexham and I know we will generate that atmosphere here, like we did against Stockport.
“We want the same sort of atmosphere.
“Playing in front of 6,500 fans, the players have to embrace it.
“Hopefully, we can rise to the occasion and get the job done. It’s half-time in the tie and we have got 90 minutes to turn it around.”
Burr, who was disappointed with his side’s first-half showing at Wrexham, is set to be without midfielder James Vincent (hamstring) after he limped off in mid-week.
Keith Briggs replaced him and could keep his place but Vincent might be fit in time for the final should Harriers get there.
In the other semi-final, Newport County hold a slender 1-0 advantage over Grimsby Town going into Sunday’s second leg at Rodney Parade.
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