KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates has vowed his side will go on the attack to stop Blue Square Premier pace-setters Oxford United in their tracks tomorrow (3pm).
The U’s come to Aggborough with an impressive record of just one defeat this season and an eight-point lead at the top of the table.
But, while Chris Wilder’s troops present a tough task for his team, Yates believes his players will be relishing the chance to lock horns with the leaders when the whistle blows at 3pm.
“The league table doesn’t lie. Oxford are top because they are the best team in the league,” said the manager.
“They have a good squad and management. I don’t think they have many weaknesses. They’ve got big, strong, good footballers and strength in depth.
“But we’ve had a fine 10 days training and the feeling around the squad is very positive.
“We’ve been working on a couple of things to try against them and will go into more detail today as well.
“We’ll be at home and will want to be on the front foot and really get at them.
“We’re not getting carried away because we’ve got a huge task in front of us.
“Our home record has been good and we’ve risen to the occasion when we’ve played the division’s best teams.”
Harriers are itching to get back in action after a free weekend because of their elimination from the FA Cup.
The fortnight break means that, apart from the suspended Chris McPhee and Lee Baker, Yates expects to have a full complement for tomorrow’s clash.
But he has been unable to bring in any loan players during the unwanted break.
So far this season, Harriers have beaten Conference big-hitters Mansfield and AFC Wimbledon and hopes are high for another good performance.
Yates has pin-pointed a noisy home support as key to notching up a notable scalp.
He added: “I think there’s been some talk that Oxford might bring nearly 2,000 fans, which is great for the club.
“All I can say to anyone in the town is come down and watch two good teams playing each other.
“The fans could make a difference and, if they can get right behind us from the start, we’ve a good chance.”
Oxford will bring two old Harriers’ fans favourites tomorrow in hit-man James Constable and former skipper Mark Creighton.
Constable left Aggborough in January 2008 for League Two outfit Shrewbury but things did not work out for the prolific goalscorer and he went to Oxford on loan.
That move was made permanent in the summer and he was joined by ex-Redditch United central defender Creighton.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here