Buckle sets his sights on repeat performance

Town were comprehensive 3-0 winners over Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday night, with a performance full of pace, power and ultimately goals.

The Harriers represent the strongest side Hatters have come across since Buckle’s short reign in charge and although the boss was aware of that fact, he knows if Town get it right, then their play-off hopes will be back in their own hands once more.

He said: “We can’t affect who’s put in front of us and I mean that with the most utmost respect, we have to think about us.

“If we’re in the mood we were in on Tuesday night, nobody will get in our way. If the players perform to that level, because let’s be honest, Ebbsfleet couldn’t live with us.

“They couldn’t live with us with us for 90 minutes. The intensity of the play, aggression of play, skill factor, attempts on goal, it was there for everybody to see.

“We understand Kidderminster are a very good side, but it’s about what we do and if we perform, our fans respond to that, they like that and that makes for a very difficult place to come

“They’re up the top of the league on merit. You can’t be up the top of the league at this stage without doing something right.

“We’ve seen them a couple of times, they’ll pose a lot of problems. They’ll come and have a go at us, but I quite like that and am looking forward to the game massively.

“I’m really, really enthused about what I’ve seen and the players are giving me in training.

“They’ve really stepped up, the bar’s been raised and we’re getting better and better.”

Town have already beaten Harriers twice this season, but Buckle wasn’t even aware of that when told and thought it would have no baring on the outcome.

He continued: “I didn’t know that and didn’t have any clue about that.

“I don’t think that matters too much to be honest. I think they can cement themselves in with a win, we’re chasing them and are right on their tails.

“They will know that by watching us. I believe they were watching us Tuesday night, so they’ll have an idea about us, but it’s what we do.

“It’s got to be our tempo, it’s our home, it’s Kenilworth Road and we’ve got to make sure they know that from minute one.

“It’s a massive game, a huge game. One that brings a smile to my face as if we’ve got anything about us as a group, it’s one we want to go and play.

“I can tell by the look of the players that they are looking forwards to it.”

The visitors have already sold 450 tickets for the clash, with hopes of a crowd of 7,000 at Kenilworth Road.

Such an attendance should make for a cracking atmosphere, with Town’s fans noticeably louder with an opposition following to bounce off and Buckle wants the players to feed off that.

He added: “It’s a fantastic stadium, it’s always loud, no matter what and the pitch is always good.

“It’s a great place to come and play football, but there’s no more soft touch with us. We’re not a pushover who’s going to be prodded and poked and walk away, we’ll stand up and be counted.

“Teams come to Luton, they love the surroundings, love the pitch, it’s a great atmosphere and they have nothing to lose.

“But if they come up against a team who’s up for it and aggressive, they’re going to be in for a tough game.

“They’ll (Kidderminster) have a good backing and will come wanting to win the game, but I think everybody knows the biggest thing is not to be overconfident.

“I just want the players to express themselves. We’ve got a strong platform now, the players know what they’re doing and it’s up to the chaps to go out at and not be disappointed at quarter to five.”

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