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After a brief flirt with the Football
League, Kidderminster returned to the Conference to renew old
acquaintances with the Brewers.
Formed back in the 1890's, it was
against the reserve team of the Harriers that Burton originally
competed against in the Birmingham League. The senior sides
eventually faced each other in the Southern League as the two clubs
bounced around the different divisions. The last league meeting at
Aggborough took place in 1979, after which the clubs clashed only in
cup competitions.
Arguably the biggest game in both
clubs history came in the 1987 FA Trophy final. A 0-0 draw at
Wembley Stadium set up a replay at the Hawthorns, home of West
Bromwich Albion. A terrific game ended in heartbreak for the
Brewers, as Harriers lifted the trophy after a 2-1 win.
Kidderminster reached the twin towers
on two further occasions in the FA Trophy, but lost both times to
Wycombe Wanderers and Woking respectively.
It was league status though that the
club ultimately desired, and there dreams looked to have been
crushed despite finishing as champions of the Conference at the end
of the 1993/94 season. Strict ground grading criteria meant that
Aggborough was not deemed suitable for league football, and
promotion was denied. A runners up spot in 1996/97 was followed by
the league title again in 1999/00, and this time promotion was
assured.
However, Harriers found it tough in
the league, and just five seasons later they found themselves back as
a non-league club again.
Getting There:
By Car -
From Birmingham,
Wolverhampton and North (M5):
Leave the M5 at Junction 3. Take the A456 towards Kidderminster. On
entering the outskirts of Kidderminster, turn left at the traffic
lights at the junction with the A449, by the Land Oak Public House.
Turn right at the next lights and proceed towards the town centre,
passing the Severn Valley Railway Station on your left.
Turn left into Hoo Road which is just before the roundabout. The
ground is up this road on the left.
From South-East (M40 & M42)
Leave M5 at junction 4 (signposted A491 Stourbridge). After
approximately 5 miles, turn left onto A456 and follow towards
Kidderminster. At roundabout on Kidderminster Ring Road, take first
exit (signposted A451 Stourport). At next roundabout, take first
exit (signposted A448 Bromsgrove), then take first turning on right
into Hoo Road for the
ground..
By Train: The
ground is walkable (10 minutes) from Kidderminster railway station,
which is served by trains from Birmingham Snow
Hill. Just come straight out of the station and go past the
Severn Valley Railway station on your left. Go down the hill and
turn left into Hoo Road and the ground is up this road on the left.
The Stadium:
The stadium has undergone many improvements over the last decade,
and has changed significantly since Burton's last visit in 2000. The
£1.1 million East Stand, which is partly used to house the visiting
supporters now gives the impression of Aggborough being a very good
venue at this level.
Should a large
number of away fans be expected, then the South Stand terrace will
also be made available. This is a large covered terrace behind one
goal.
Food at Aggborough
is reported to be excellent, with the local soup a particular
delicacy. For a pre-match pint, there are a few pubs very close to
the ground. The club has it's own pub, the Harriers Arms, but the
official website states that away fans are not admitted. If that is
the case, then try the King & Castle pub located inside the
Severn Valley railway station, or the Railway Bell which is just
across the road.
Admission
Prices: Seating Adults - £16 Over
65's & Under 16's - £11, Terrace Adults - £13 Over 65's -£8
Under 16's - £5
Websites:
Being an ex-league club, Kidderminster's official website is a
standard uninspiring pay to view affair. Very basic information, but the
stadium and directions section are good
www.harriers.co.uk
Best of the
unofficial sites are Harriers Online
www.harriers-online.co.uk
and Stattos Kidderminster Site
www.kidderminsterharriers.com.
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