Yates plea for fans' backing

Harriers travel to Cheshire with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg hoping to reach their fourth final.

More than 2,300 were at Aggborough for last Saturday's first leg – their biggest home gate of the season and a 50 per cent increase on the average.

Hundreds are expected to pile up the M6 tomorrow and cheer on the team.

And boss Mark Yates has urged asmany supporters as possible to make the journey and act as a "12th man" for his side in their quest to play at the new Wembley.

"There was a really good atmosphere in the first tie – our supporters got behind us," said Yates. "From the noise the fans made, there seemed to be more than 2,300 in the ground. It just shows when we get the support, it spurs the lads on.

"Hopefully we can take as many as possible tomorrow. They can play a massive part by coming along and getting behind the boys.

"If they do that, it will really help us and hopefully we can fulfill their dreams."

Assistant boss Neil Howarth said the support is appreciated and admitted it was "vital" to their chances.

"We had a good crowd who got behind the lads in the first leg, first half especially," he said."We played some nice stuff, and if we can do that again, then the fans will raise themselves. "Their support could be vital tomorrow. If they can afford it, they can make the journey up to Northwich and hopefully we can make it worth their while.

"We do appreciate the fans getting behind us like they did and I'm sure there will be a good travelling following tomorrow."

Howarth warned former Hednesford hero Steve Burr will have his side wound up to claw back the deficit.

"It's certainly not game over and we're taking nothing for granted," insisted Howarth. "I know Steve Burr very well and he's a winner and a fighter and that's what his teams are.

"We've given ourselves a chance of getting into the final, but at this stage, it's nothing more than that.Steve Burr knows exactly what it means to get to the old Wembley, and now we want to get to the new one."