Kidderminster Harriers will host their FA Cup first-round tie against Doncaster Rovers with a fearless attitude, according to their manager Paul Wootton. The non-league side welcome the League One outfit to Aggborough this weekend for a classic cup encounter. "It's a complete free hit for us and we're looking forward to it." He emphasised that his squad has no fitness or organisational excuses and hopes to give their supporters a memorable day. The Harriers, who describe the FA Cup as the greatest cup competition in the world, see this match as an opportunity to test themselves without pressure against a side from two divisions above.
Doncaster Rovers enter the cup tie on the back of consistent progress in knockout competitions under manager Grant McCann. They have progressed beyond the FA Cup first round in each of his seasons in charge. Rovers also recently secured a 4-1 win over Rochdale to advance in the EFL Trophy, their second consecutive victory in that competition. Their earliest exit from the EFL Trophy under McCann came in the second round against Peterborough United in 2024. McCann's team will be aiming to continue their strong cup pedigree and avoid an upset on the road.
For FC Halifax Town, who sit 10th in the National League standings with 24 points from 16 games, this fixture is of particular interest. Their next opponents are Kidderminster Harriers, a league fixture scheduled for 14 November. Halifax's recent form has been mixed, with one win, one draw, and three defeats in their last five outings, culminating in a 2-0 loss at Cheltenham on 7 November. The Shaymen will be looking to use their upcoming match against Kidderminster as a chance to build momentum and improve on a recent run that has seen them concede seven goals in their last two matches.
The tie represents a significant challenge for Kidderminster, but one they are embracing fully. For Halifax, the focus quickly returns to league action and a key test against the same opposition. Doncaster, meanwhile, will be wary of the threat posed by a motivated non-league side playing with the freedom their manager has encouraged.
More detail at Doncaster Free Press
FC Halifax Town's next fixture is away to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday, November 14. The club's last result was a 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Cheltenham on November 7. The Shaymen's recent form shows one win, one draw and three losses in their last five matches. They have conceded seven goals in their last two outings.
Kidderminster Harriers manager Paul Wotton revealed a team curry funded by chairman Richard Lane lifted morale ahead of their FA Cup win. "The mood was great and it kind of really helped us get over the disappointment," Wotton said. He added his side must now focus on their league game against FC Halifax Town on Saturday. Halifax, 10th in the National League, visit a Kidderminster side sitting 13th.
