HEAD coach Ian Bletcher has warned Kidderminster Carolians to expect an Earlsdon backlash in Saturday’s crucial top three clash.

Second-placed KCs are vying with leaders Banbury for the title in the Midlands Division Two West (South).

But Saturday’s opponents are still in the hunt, just two points behind Kidderminster with a game in hand.

KCs’ county rivals Droitwich also did them a favour by inflicting a rare defeat on Earlsdon.

Winning the league would seal promotion, while finishing second would guarantee the play-offs.

Bletcher said: “We’re all a little nervous about Earlsdon.

“Droitwich did us a favour by beating them but I expect them to come out all guns blazing.

“It’s a good kind of pressure we are expecting and I think the hardest part will be selection tonight.

“We played well at Earlsdon but faded. If we can play to our best for 80 minutes then we will do well.”

Apart from long-term injury victim Tom Maher, KCs have a full strength squad to call upon for Saturday’s vital clash.

Banbury have a slightly easier run-in than Carolians, with a trip to Old Leamingtonians and home games against Stourbridge Lions and Spartans.

After Earlsdon, KCs go to Stourbridge and fourth-placed Leamington.

But Bletcher believes the fans can make a difference.

He said: “We get the biggest crowds in the league home or away.

“Their support can give us the extra edge we need.

“It’s been an incredible season so far.

“At one stage we had 20 first team players missing through injury and realistically were fighting relegation.

“But the whole club is going in the right direction, the firsts are doing well and the seconds are top of their merit league.”

KCs’ clash kicks-off at 3pm.