Harriers will not take Lynn lightly

Harriers go to the Walks Stadium to face the promoted Blue Square North outfit for a place in the first round proper, with the visitors the clear favourites, having already been tagged by Lynn manager Keith Webb as the "big boys of the Conference."

Yet the magic of the cup dictates that the form book means nothing in the competition and long-standing fans from both camps will recall the last time the two sides met at this stage in 1984.

That year, legendary Harriers boss Graham Allner took his side to Kings Lynn - after a draw at Aggborough - and saw them beaten 1-0 in a replay. Also in 1984, the home side had just been promoted to the level below where they now ply their trade.

Add to that the fact that Lynn have won more games in the competition than Manchester United - albeit on somewhat less of a grandiose scale - and reached the second round in 2006, and an upset is possible.

Howarth is well aware of this and insists their opponents will be afforded the proper respect.

He said: "We have had them watched and know what to expect. They are a big non-league club with some good, experienced players who know what the game is about. Make no mistake about it, it will be tough.

"I know Ben Sedgemore very well, as I played with him for a couple of seasons at Macclesfield. Mark Peters, their big centre-half, I also know very well. Then there is the likes of Scott Howie and Simon Weaver as well.

"Albeit, they may be past their best, but they are fit enough and know the game well enough to pick up results."

The old pro in the yellow shirt of Lynn that everybody will remember is former Villa striker Julian Joachim, who is spending his first season outside of the Football League after leaving Darlington in the summer.

Now 34 years old, he has a proven track record of 16 years with seven clubs. Howarth knows he is one to watch.

He said: "Julian has got quality which is proven at the highest level and he has played at England U21 level. We need to keep an eye on him, as he is the sort of player who could really hurt us.

"You simply cannot take anything for granted, not that we would. We are the sort of squad that have the right attitude, so we will apply ourselves in the right way."