KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Gary Whild believes his players are looking forward to the challenge of repeating last season’s FA Cup success, writes Peter McKinney.

The Aggborough outfit tackle Vanarama Conference rivals at Eastleigh on Saturday (3pm kick-off) in the Fourth Qualifying Round, with the manager keen to go on another money-spinning run.

The club made £125,000 in prize money and generated even more cash from gate receipts as they reached the Fourth Round for only the second time in their 124-year history.

Harriers nearly crashed out of the competition at the start, needing extra-time to defeat Bradford Park Avenue in a replay.

They then went onto knock-out Sutton United, Newport County and League One high-flyers Peterborough United, before being edged out 1-0 at Premier League Sunderland in front of a 25,000-strong crowd at The Stadium of Light.

But the run was bittersweet for Whild, who had been told to stay away from first-team affairs after Steve Burr’s controversial departure in January. Andy Thorn was at the helm for the Reds’ memorable 4-3 replay win over The Posh at London Road.

“I was delighted for the players. I wasn’t surprised when they defeated Peterborough and played Sunderland because I had put the team together with Steve Burr,” said Whild.

“Of course it was tinged with sadness because neither of us were involved in those games and should have been.

“But the cup is unpredictable. No-one would have predicted the club would reach the Fourth Round after we were so close to being knocked out by Bradford Park Avenue at the first hurdle.

“It’s very hard to replicate last year’s run, that sort of thing only happens rarely but we want to see how far we can go this year.”

Harriers face a tricky tie against Eastleigh, with both sides mid-table in the Conference on 26 points.

The Hampshire outfit have splashed the cash since winning promotion from the Conference South last season, drafting in former Kidderminster hitman James Constable as well as Jack Midson and Stuart Fleetwood.

Kyle Storer is available after serving a one-match suspension but midfield partner Jack Byrne is banned for one match after picking up five bookings.

Josh Gowling remains on the sidelines as he continues to recover from his shoulder injury.