Brabin urges Hatters to fire

HATTERS manager Gary Brabin has urged his side to shed their attacking impotence when they travel to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday, writes Mike Simmonds.

Town haven’t scored two goals in the league on their travels since the 4-2 win at Eastbourne Borough on October 16, a run spanning 10 games.

They have won four matches in that time, drawing four and losing two, and Brabin welcomes back midfielder Alex Lawless into the squad after he completed his three-game ban.

The new manager, who takes charge of his first away match, said: “As a team we haven’t scored enough goals. Alex Lawless is a quality player, we need to get him back and in the frame and playing as soon as possible.

“He’s one of the players we need firing on all cylinders and I think we’ve got to put a little bit more trust in each other that defenders can cope in certain situations. Then we can give a little bit more freedom for attackers to go and do what they do best.”

Defender Dan Gleeson is also fit again, and Brabin expects to have a full squad for the trip to Aggborough.

He said: “Gleeson trained the last week. It was probably a bit too soon for him, Barrow, but he’s stepped up his training, and should be available.

“Freddie Murray is fine too. So far all the lads have come back and are raring to go. It’s all about maximising the player’s potential. We’ve got two full backs in Dan Gleeson and Freddie Murray who are like wingers.

“When they’re on song and bombing forward, it helps to bring out all the players quality which is what I want to do.” Neither youngster Godfrey Poku and Dan Walker are likely to be involved in the squad at Kidderminster though as Brabin said: “Godfrey’s been fantastic this year. He’s one of our development squad. My personal view is I would have probably liked him to have gone out on loan, get some games, made his mistakes for someone else.

“We’re at a crucial part of the season now where I don’t think it’s fair to throw him into games where one mistake could cost us the game.

“Nothing has changed with Godfrey. He still comes into training as bright as a button. He’s not been a regular in the side before I got the job and can learn from likes of Keith Keane and Paul Carden.

“Dan’s another one. He’s a bit of a loose cannon. He’s raw, he’s a real talent and he’s another one we’ve got up our sleeve. We were inundated with people wanting to take him out on loan, but I think it’s important to keep this group of players together.”

Tomorrow’s opponents Kidderminster recently held Hatters to a 1-1 draw and currently occupy the final play-off position, so Brabin is well aware how tough the Harriers will be.

He added: “Steve Burr’s gone in this year and done a fantastic job. The’ve got good players and been a real surprise package this season. Deservedly so too as they’re a good, well organised outfit.