HARRIERS were knocked out of the FA Trophy by a 3-1 defeat at the hands of York City.

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The Reds' afternoon got off to the worst start as Burrow put York ahead after a minute, Lewis Hawkins doubling the advantage with a far-post finish.

A penalty from Burrow after the break added a third before the arrears were reduced by a smart Lee Vaughan finish. Harriers had the chance to make it 3-2 late on but Ed Williams saw a penalty saved.

In the main, the performance was a definite improvement for Harriers on recent weeks - and certainly on recent games played at Aggborough. It was York who struck first, though, with barely a minute on the clock when Harriers was able to get in behind, sliding the ball to Burrow who buried it from a yard out.

The home side responded well enough, Billy Daniels smashed an effort over the bar just a couple of minutes later before Kane Richards, on his first start, headed into the hands of Adam Bartlett from close range.

Any momentum they were building was punctured when the second goal arrived on 22 minutes, Hawkins this time with the simple task of slotting home at the far post after ghosting in unchecked.

The half hour mark arrived and signalled an improvement from Harriers, Williams' shot forcing Bartlett into a good save before a fizzing effort from 18 yards only narrowly missed the target. Two further, good chances to reduce the deficit before the break when Chambers - clean through - was denied by Bartlett's stop, Richards also denied from just outside the area

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Daniels forced another save from Bartlett early after the restart but Harriers found themselves 3-0 down on 51 minutes when Burrow completed his brace from the penalty spot after Horsfall was adjudged to have fouled Bray.

Harriers did keep the efforts coming. Horsfall seeing a header saved off a Horsfall corner before Chambers, rising at the far post, could only direct a header at the goalkeeper - with Hall saving from Harris in between.

The hosts deserved a breakthrough and got one on 66 minutes as Vaughan slotted home on the rebound after Austin's shot had been parried away by Bartlett, Bradley also going close with an accurately-taken effort from 30 yards that the stopper held up at his top corner.

With just a couple of minutes of normal time remaining, there was something of a lifeline thrown Harriers' way as Richards was fouled in the area to the award of a penalty. Williams stepped up to take it, but Bartlett thwarted the twelve-yard effort.

Though the performance gave cause for some encouragement after recent weeks, Harriers fans left disappointed with their season's FA Trophy adventure ending before it really began.

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BRANDON Hall wants Harriers to re-establish standards when York City visit Aggborough in the Buildbase FA Trophy on Saturday.

The Reds come into the game in need of some form and momentum after a run of difficult recent results.

Most recently was the 4-0 set-back at home to Chorley in National League North.

Hall reflected on what’s gone by in recent weeks and was adamant that something needs to change.

“It’s not up to the standards of what we’ve set at the beginning of the season,” said the Aggborough shot stopper.

“The results are far from what we want to achieve so we need to turn that around as soon as possible.

“We weren’t at our best [last weekend] but 4-0 really is a drubbing and is far from where we want to be.

“It is very disappointing, and we are looking to bounce back so it is good that we’ve got another home game so soon in the [Trophy] and we can really change that around.”

The weekend sees the start of the FA Trophy season for clubs at National League North and South level.

The Third Qualifying Round threw up this meeting between two North rivals, with the Minstermen also keen to get back to winning ways after a defeat to Altrincham last weekend.

“It’s a tough game against York but it’s a great opportunity for both clubs.”   Brandon Hall

Hall knows a good run of form in the Trophy would be the ideal accompaniment to a resurgence in league form, and so Saturday’s game becomes all the more important.

The former Woking man pointed out that success in the Trophy comes with a certain simplicity in so much as it only takes a handful of wins to get to the business end of the competition.

First, though, comes the first hurdle against a York, a tough afternoon in store for Neil MacFarlane’s charges.

Of the prospects of a run in the Trophy, Hall added: “It would be fantastic, and we want to do as well as we can in all competitions.

“It’s a good chance and a good competition to quite easily progress through as it’s a short competition.

“It’s a tough game against York but it’s a great opportunity for both clubs.”

Harriers are hopeful of being able to pick from a fully-fit squad for the game against City.

Supporters are reminded that admission prices are reduced for Saturday’s game, with all U16s admitted for just £1.

Seat prices have been reduced by £2 for adults (£15) and concessions (£9), with the Main Stand available for those wanting to sit.

The North Stand will also be open for the game, with the East Stand open to York fans only.

Kick-off at Aggborough on Saturday is 3:00pm.

BUY: Tickets for the game are on sale online – simply click the link on the top right of the page for more. Don’t worry, you can still pay cash on the turnstiles once online sales end.

WATCH: Brandon Hall’s full pre-match video interview, courtesy of our YouTube channel, is available to view in full – simply click the Video tab above.

READ: All you need to know about hospitality and admission to Saturday’s game.