Harriers winger dreams of FA Trophy tilt

Pilkington was at York City last season as they won the FA Trophy against Newport at the national stadium and clinched promotion to the Football League against Luton. However, Pilkington did not make the squad for the 2-0 win over Newport or the 2-1 play-off victory over the Hatters.

And the 22-year-old wideman revealed his determination to make amends with Harriers ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy first-round proper tie at Alfreton Town.

"I missed out on both games at Wembley when York City got there twice which was pretty gutting for me, as you can imagine," said Pilkington.

"It was even more heartbreaking for me in the FA Trophy because I think I'd played in every round.

"I was able to walk around the pitch beforehand, but I watched from the bench with the rest of the lads and didn't get on and that was hard to take.

"Hopefully, that was not my last chance to play at Wembley and it would be great to get to the FA Trophy final with Harriers.

"Alfreton will provide tough opponents and we have an idea of what they are about, having drawn there 1-1 in the league.

"The pitch is usually pretty good there, so hopefully that will allow us to get the ball down and play."

Last weekend, Pilkington started his first game since mid-September when he played in the 2-0 win over Telford, having recovered from a recent knee injury.

And the winger – brother of Norwich City's Anthony Pilkington – admitted Harriers fans have yet to see his top form since he joined the club in the summer.

"The best is yet to come from me, definitely," said Pilkington, who has scored once in 12 appearances for Harriers.

"I've had a few injury problems but they are behind me now.

"Hopefully I can kick on from here."