Terriers have dual interest in outcome of Cup action

Not only is prospective new signing Joe Lolley making his last appearance for Kidderminster Harriers before moving to the John Smith’s Stadium, but the Terriers also have their “fingers crossed” that Charlton Athletic’s problematic pitch can finally host a delayed third-round tie with Oxford United.

Lolley, fresh from scoring a hat-trick in the Harriers’ weekend win over Salisbury City, was the subject of a £250,000 bid from Town that was accepted by the non-League side.

At the request of Kidderminster, the 21-year-old will be allowed to face Peterborough United in a third-round replay as the Midlands side chase an upset that would further swell the Aggborough coffers.

Town chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “We agreed a deal in principle with Kidderminster last week that allowed us to speak to Joe.

“What Kidderminster also asked was for him to be allowed to play in their next two games and, in particular, the Peterborough Cup tie. We agreed and hope he does well before becoming a Huddersfield player on Wednesday or Thursday.”

Lolley, spotted playing for Great Britain team in the World University and College Games, started his career with Midlands Combination side Littleton, where he hit a prolific 88 goals in 83 games.

Kidderminster manager Andy Thorn said: “We will be sorry to lose him but, when you have clubs knocking on the door, you have to be realistic

“Everyone has got ambitions. That is football, players move on.”

Huddersfield are also hoping the Charlton v Oxford third-round tie goes ahead as planned tonight.

Mark Robins’s side are due to host the winners in the fourth round on January 25 and any further delay will leave Town facing the possibility of a blank final weekend of the month, plus a lower attendance when the tie is finally played in midweek.

The Valley’s pitch has been a major problem for Charlton this season, with last Saturday’s Championship game against Barnsley being the fourth to be either abandoned or postponed because of the sodden state of the surface.

Doncaster Rovers’ trip in August was the first to fall victim, with the visitors 3-1 ahead, while the Cup tie with Oxford has twice been postponed.

A drain at one end of Athletic’s home has collapsed and repair work cannot be undertaken until the summer.

An inspection took place yesterday and the go-ahead was given. Barnsley’s game, though, was not called off until 1.40pm on Saturday.

Clibbens added: “We have our fingers crossed. We don’t want a blank weekend later this month.”