Revenge no motive for Harriers

The corresponding fixture on the final day of last season saw Yates and his team suffer heartbreak as their play-off dream came to an end, after a 90th minute winner from Ben Wright for a Poppies side who arrived with nothing to play for.

Now the two will recreate the scene as league rivals for the new Blue Square Premier campaign tonight (7:45pm), with both teams harbouring play-off hopes in a tight league.

Opposing bosses Yates and Mark Cooper have known each other for years and this is unlikely to be the last time they duel with a carrot at stake.

But the Aggborough chief has insisted tonight's match is not about paying Kettering back for last season - the points are all he is interested in.

Yates said: "It's not about revenge at all, at that time we needed to win and we didn't - that is hardly their fault. I know their manager well and we are friends, so there is no animosity between us.

"This season is different, both sides have made changes and it's almost different teams than last season. I went on the record in the summer to say that they had bought well, so it will be a tough nut to crack tonight.

"Our only focus is on the task in end."

Harriers are again to likely to blood new strike duo Robbie Matthews and Matthew Barnes-Homer, with third forward Aaron Farrell still out with a hamstring injury.

Matthews made a promising debut starting alongside Barnes-Homer at Ebbsfleet on Saturday, although neither could make the breakthrough in a goalless draw.

Skipper Chris McPhee described the big new signing as the "Peter Crouch of the Conference" after his arrival from Salisbury last week, such is the height and strength of the big man.

Yates believes that is a flattering comparison.

He said: "Robbie did very well on Saturday and I am delighted to have him. He is a big lad, a target man and brings some attributes we maybe didn't have before. I am hoping he can compliment Matthew up front.

"I don't think anybody comparing Robbie to Peter Crouch is a bad thing, it's a compliment if anything. Peter is a top quality player and proven at the highest level."