LEE Thompson admits he has a point to prove to Boston United and Kidderminster Harriers in next Wednesday's LDV Vans Trophy tie - after revealing the personal tragedy that has affected his first few months at Aggborough.

The 23-year-old striker has struggled to show his true form since leaving Boston to join Harriers in the summer and has largely been limited to a handful of hit and miss substitute apperances.

Speaking to the Shuttle/Times & News, Thompson admitted that his arrival at Aggborough coincided with his wife Gemma's miscarriage which left him mentally unfit to focus on football.

"I went through a bad spell at the start of the season because not long after I came here my wife lost our baby when she was five months pregnant," said Thompson, who has a young son, Declan.

"It affected me quite badly mentally and I wasn't in the right frame of mind to do my best on the pitch.

"Fortunately she is pregnant again now and things are going well so I hope I can start to get things together on the pitch."

With on-loan Walsall striker set to b rested for Wednesday's trip to York Street to avoid being cup-tied, Thompson could be set for a rare start against his former club in the LDV clash.

The pint-sized Yorkshireman, who was born and bred in Sheffield, where his wife still lives, admits he is starting to rediscover the confidence that made him a fans' favourite with Boston.

"In training and in practice matches I'm feeling sharp and scoring goals so hopefully I've turned the corner," he said.

"I prefer to play up front as a second striker, although I've not had much chance to do that with Kidderminster.

"But as long as I'm feeling confident and doing well I'm happy to play anywhere."

Thompson is relishing the chance to lock horns with his former team-mates in the midweek Northern Section second round clash and admits he has been inundated with messages from Pilgrims fans and players.

"I'm really well liked up there and I've had quite a few phone calls and messages from people up there wishing me well," he said.

"It was a shame the way I left but it was probably the right time for a fresh start.

"I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of old friends up there and if Taiwo doesn't play then it would be nice to think I'll start the game."

One man Thompson is in no great rush to be reunited with is Boston boss Steve Evans after the pair fell out during contract negotiations.

But even though there is bad blood between Thompson and his former gaffer, the former Sheffield United trainee insists he does not bear grudges.

"I was offered a new contract but we could not agree terms because he wanted me to be the lowest paid player at the club by quite a margin," he said.

"I was the second leading scorer for two years running and I thought I deserved better than that.

"He went to the press and to a fans forum saying that I was asking for £50,000 a year, but I wasn't asking anything like that, not even half that.

"In the end I think he just wanted me out because I was a fans' favourite but I wasn't his signing.

"When I see him next week I'll shale his hand and there will be no bad feeling, but it would be nice to go there and get a result."

HARRIERS youth team are in the last 16 of the Midland Floodlit League Cup after beating Racing Club Warwick 4-0.

David Davis was a hat-trick hero, while Joe Corbett was also on target.

A race night to raise funds for Harriers first team and youth set-up has been organised by fans' groups KHIST and The 250 Club,

It will take place on Friday, December 9, getting under way at 7.30pm with the bar opening at 7pm.

The £6 ticket price includes a chicken and chips supper, while there will be fun and games including horse sponsorship and a raffle.

The club has announced that half season tickets granting admission to Harriers last 10 home matches of the season are now on sale.

Terrace

Adults £100, Over-65s £59, Students (16-22) £39.

Seats

Adults £128, Over-65s £85, Students (16-22) £72, Under-16s £43.

Ring 01562 823931 for details.