GUNNING for cup glory -- that will be Kidderminster Harriers tonight when they again break new ground by playing in their first ever Worthington Cup tie.

Their opponents at the Bescot Stadium in a first round, first leg, clash will be Walsall -- and manager Jan Molby hopes it will be the start of a triumphant campaign in cup competitions this season.

The Harriers boss said: "A good cup run can be two-fold -- it can give the players an enormous amount of confidence and it can obviously have a financial impact on the club.

"So, yes, cup runs are a greatly welcome for clubs in the second and third divisions. It's the first time we have entered this competition and we are looking forward to it."

Many fans thought Kidderminster's early exits from cup competitions last season turned out to be a blessing in disguise, enabling them to fully focus on the job in hand -- promotion from the Nationwide Conference.

"We don't know what would have happened to our league season if we'd have done better in the cups, but this season we would like to win one or two cup games."

Last term Kidderminster fell at the first hurdle in the FA Cup (2-0 away to Welling United), FA Trophy (4-2 at home to Telford United) and Nationwide Macmillan Trophy (1-0 away to Altrincham).

They did, however, lift the Worcestershire Senior Cup by beating Solihull Borough 3-0 in the final.

Tonight, though, it's the dawning of a new cup era for Kidderminster although Molby knows exactly what's top of his agenda.

"A good league season is most definitely the priority for us," he said.

"The only way cup competitions can have priority above the league is if there is nothing to play for in your league season. But with the Worthington Cup starting as early as it does we have always got a chance in the league."

Molby has not yet turned his attention to the possibilities of money-spinning success in the FA Cup this season, but is relishing the prospect provided league form doesn't suffer in the process.

"The FA Cup is the biggest cup competition in the world, so that certainly makes it high profile. It's a while away before we start that, but all of a sudden we enter in the first round which is nice, although there's still a lot of work to be done before you hit the big boys."

Kidderminster fans are advised to take the following route to the Bescot Stadium: Go north on M5 and M6 (north). Leave M6 at junction 9 and follow road sign-posted A461 Walsall. Follow signs to Bescot Stadium.

Harriers have announced they will extend the opening hours for tickets sales on a trial basis ahead of the forthcoming all-ticket clashes with Walsall (home) and Brighton (away).

The office will now remain open from 9.15am until 8pm this Thursday and the following Thursday and will also be open from 9am until noon on Saturday ahead of the home game with Halifax Town.

Tickets will also be available from a designated turnstile from 1.30pm before the Halifax match.

Read CHRIS OLDNALL every Tuesday in the Evening News