FORMER Harriers captain Stuart Whitehead believes that victory over Stevenage Borough over the two FA Trophy semi-finals would give the club the belief it needs to rise to a higher level.

The 33-year-old knows all about guiding the Aggborough outfit past a tricky two-legged clash, after skippering the side which saw off Northwich Victoria 4-3 in 2007 and booked a final meeting with Stevenage at the new Wembley Stadium.

Now plying his trade with Blue Square North promotion-chasers Telford, Whitehead believes whoever deals with the big match nerves best will have the edge over the 180 minutes of action.

Harriers themselves had to come though a test against a side coincidentally managed by new boss Steve Burr.

“No matter how you prepare for the game there’s going to be nerves, it’s how you deal with them that matters,” commented the centre back.

“I remember our semi-final against Northwich. We had won the first game 2-0 but we definitely felt that the game was ours to lose in the second leg.

“Northwhich on the other hand had nothing to lose and went for it. We were 2-0 down after 15 minutes but managed to get some goals back.

“I think most players would prefer a one-off game than two legs but Harriers have a great chance of getting to Wembley.

“I remember Steve Burr from the semi-final. I spoke to him after the game and he was really gracious in defeat.

“He’s got the team on a good run and he likes to play good football, so he’ll have them ready for this game.”

The class of 2007 couldn’t quite go on to write their name in the history books and win the first silverware at the FA’s 90,000 seater state of the art ground as they were beaten 3-2 by Borough.

But the carrot of playing on the biggest stage possible may well be their secret weapon.

Whitehead added: ”At our level of football you don’t get glamour ties at the national stadium very often, so when they come about they are special.

“Obviously, we made it to the final and it didn’t go our way but you still have the memory of playing at Wembley and that’s special.

“I think Harriers will fancy their chances against them, they’re unbeaten in 10 games.

“I know they’ve lost in the league to them but that won’t matter now, a semi-final is completely different.

“Winning the semi-final and booking a place at the final in Wembley was one of the biggest moments in my career. If Harriers can get to the final then they could push on and win the Trophy and really go from there.”