By KJ
August 11 2003

This Wednesday, 13th August sees Harriers take on illustrious opposition in Ipswich Town. Kidder have never won a League Cup game, can it happen at Portman Road?

TRACTOR BOYS NEXT

Real Tractor boys, not Nam!

So after a fine opening day win over Mansfield, Harriers bid to win their first ever League Cup game. So far, since our elevation to the League in 2000, we have failed every time at the first hurdle. Last season, of course, we were humbled by an impressive Notts Forest side, 4-0 at the City Ground. Hopefully we can improve this year against another big Division One side, Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys are in a period of transition under Joe Royle, who took over from George Burley last season. Ipswich have only been out of the Premiership for two years and last season were exempt from this round of the now named Carling Cup. That’s because they were in the UEFA Cup, after winning the fair play award. Of course they have had a few money problems since their relegation and many of their star players such as Marcus Stewart, Finnidi George and Matt Holland have now all left Portman Road. It will take some performance from Kiddie if we are going to break our League Cup duck.

Finidi George

As mentioned earlier, we departed the League Cup at Round one last season with a thumping at Forest, where, to be honest we were lucky to get nil. It hasn’t been all humiliation in the Cup though, with two very close exits in previous years. In 2001-2 we lost a 3-2 thriller at Aggborough to Preston North End, then managed by current Everton boss Davis Moyes. In fact we were 2-0 up, with Tony Bird notching two goals to put us in the driving seat. We held the lead with 13 minutes to go before North End pulled back two late goals to take it to extra time. I do remember that we were rather unfortunate to lose that night, especially considering Preston had lost in the previous years play off final.

In our debut season the first two rounds were played over two legs and we enjoyed a plum draw against near neighbours Walsall. Harriers did well in the 1st leg and brought the Saddlers back to Aggborough level, after a Stewart Hadley goal levelled the tie at 1-1. in a close encounter the then 2nd division Saddlers crept through 1-0 with a goal from former Villa man Darren Byfield.

So can Kidder do it ? Well my vote in our poll goes to “maybe”. There are many factors involved in a giant killing. Are Ipswich up for it, when I say that, I mean, is the Carling Cup high on their priority list ? Of course no team goes out to lose but I believe if we are going to do it then we need the following: One of our best performances in a long time, Ipswich to play below par, and above all a lot of luck. So who knows, maybe its our year for Cup success, and to be honest, if its FA Cup or Carling Cup, then great I’ll take either.

Portman Road

SEE YOU THERE?

Basic directions

M42 then M6 south. Ignore M1 take A14, same route to Rushden . Kepp on that for about 100 miles or so. Exit A14 Ipswich West and North (A1156). Follow Ipswich Nth & West signs, over 2 islands into Bury Rd which becomes Norwich Rd. after 1.7 miles turn right at Dble Roundabout by Inkerman Pub(Towards Colchester A12)into Chevallier St. Straight over crossrds crossing Bramford Rd. aprox ½ mile straight over lights (Signposted Cliff Quay football)into West End Rd. Look for Princes St car Pk on right after ½ mile.

Supporters coaches leave around 3.00pm. it is worth buying a ticket in advance (£12.50 adults,£8 OAP £2 kids) because the price goes up on the night to (£16 adult, £10 OAP, same for kids).

Click below for Multi map.

Click 4 Multimap