David Hockaday: We can stun the leaders

Harriers, bottom of the National League Premier with just two wins all season, welcome the current leaders to Aggborough to begin what on paper is a fearsome festive fixture list.

Hockaday's men then go to face his former club Forest Green – who currently sit second in the standings – on Bank Holiday Monday, before a return date with Cheltenham on Saturday week.

But the head coach thinks these are the occasions his team should look upon with relish rather than reservations.

"There is nothing to fear in this league, I truly believe that," said Hockaday.

"Everyone told me Grimsby were a great home team. They told me the same about Eastleigh.

"In both games, we could have got something.

"These are the games you want to be involved in. We are capable of causing an upset."

Despite his side being 10 points adrift of safety with more than half of the season played and on a four-game losing run, Hockaday remains convinced they are capable of pulling off the great escape.

The head coach is confident of adding further to his youthful squad during the January transfer window but admitted cash-strapped Harriers, who have been forced to shed a number of big names in an effort to cut costs, are unlikely to be in the market for experienced players.

"Nobody gives us a cat in hell's chance of staying up, I know that," said Hockaday, who has no fresh injury concerns.

"But I believe we are capable of putting a run together. There has not been a game where we have been blown away, we have been competitive and I believe, with the players we are hoping to add to the squad in January, we will be able to win a few games."