DREWE Broughton is set to make his first apearance of the season tonight when Kidderminster Harriers take on Division One Preston North End in the first round of the Worthington Cup at Aggborough (7.45).

The former Peterborough United striker has missed the opening two matches but is expected to go straight into the starting line-up.

He was unable to play against Scunthorpe because of a one-match ban and was ruled out of Saturday's trip to Darlington because of hamstring trouble.

Unlikely to play tonight is central defender Adie Smith who missed training yesterday because of a slight groin injury which he picked up against The Quakers.

"It was sore on Sunday, although it's settled down a bit, but we aren't going to risk him if he's not 100 per cent," said Harriers boss Jan Molby.

"We have games next Saturday and Monday and they are as important, if not more important, than tonight.

"There's no need for him to play and aggravate it again when he's got a clear week to make sure he's alright for our next matches."

Molby said of tonight's tough tester: "It's a good game for us to go into.

"They were in the play-offs last season and got beaten in the final by Bolton. So, based on that, they are the best team left in the Nationwide League.

"It's certainly going to be a tremendous test for us, but one we can only look forward to. If you don't look forward to games like this then you should get yourself another job.

"If we lose then we have got to concentrate on Saturday. That's the way football is."

Aggborough chairman Lionel Newton is urging fans to turn up in force, saying: "Jan Molby and the players need all the supporters to get behind the team to try and overcome these giants.

"It might not be a big game for them, but it's a huge match for us. If we could beat them it would install so much confidence for the rest of the season."

Preston's last visit to Aggborough was in 1994 when a shock 1-0 FA Cup victory by Harriers put them through to play West Ham United at home in the fifth round. The Hammers won 1-0.

Kidderminster (from): Brock, Medou-Otye, Hinton, Stamps, Bird, Blake, Davies, Shilton, Ducros, Hadley, Broughton, Murphy, Doyle, Foster, Ayres, Faulds.