Yates wary of cup underdogs
Kidderminster manager Mark Yates is anxious to make sure his side are not the victims of an upset when Harriers head to Kings Lynn in the FA Cup tomorrow (3pm).
The Walks Stadium awaits the Blue Square Premier side as they take on the reigning Southern League champions, who play their trade in the league below, for a place in the FA Cup first round proper.
The two teams have met at this stage of the competition in 1984, with the Harriers tumbling out under th e guidance of legendary manager Graham Allner, and Yates wants no repeat of such a fiasco.
He said: "I think I was still at school in 1984! But that was then and this is now and all I am focusing on is a result. We are the favourites and there to be shot at, they are the underdogs and I suppose they will like it like that.
"I have had them watched and know what to expect. They are a well supported club, so I expect a good atmosphere and a tough away game for us. We will afford them the proper respect but we play to win. It is as simple as that.
"We have to make sure we have our heads on. People look for upsets in the cup and we have to make sure we are not upset."
Harriers have the boost of top scorer Justin Richards returning to the fold after a hamstring injury. He may even replace Stefan Moore in attack, rekindling a fruitful partnership with Matthew Barnes-Homer.
Midfielder Neil MacKenzie faces a race against time to be permitted to play, under the terms if his loan deal from Notts County.
Yates added: "Justin is fit and available. He will feature at some point in the game. He may start, that is a decision I will make on the day of the game. He has a chance.
"We are waiting on permission from Notts County to play Neil MacKenzie, which we are hopeful of. He is nowhere near the first team there, so it should be fine."
