CHEY Dunkley looks set to hand Kidderminster Harriers a boost for Saturday’s vital Skrill Premier home clash against play-off chasing rivals Grimsby Town.

The 22-year-old defender could be thrust back into the action after a swifter than anticipated recovery from knee surgery.

The highly-rated centre back’s return is a timely lift as defensive lynchpin Josh Gowling is a doubt for Saturday’s game as he struggles with a sore pelvis.

Harriers believe they have found a solution to the issue but it’s not clear if he be will back in time.

Three draws in a row have stalled their chase for the play-offs but Kidderminster are still in the hunt for a top five finish.

It’s an important few days for the Aggborough outfit. After the in-form Mariners (3pm) they travel to fellow promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Manager Gary Whild said: “We’re at the stage of the season where we’ve got seven cup finals really and every game is vital.

“Obviously, it’s important that we start winning games and the matches between ourselves and Grimsby are usually exciting.

“With so many teams chasing the top five, it’s going to be close but it’s important that we don’t get nervous.

“The fans have been tremendous at home and I am sure they will make a difference.”

Captain Kyle Storer serves a one-match ban after his sending off during Saturday’s 1-1 at Salisbury. Callum Gittings misses two matches after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season.

Danny Jackman looks set for a spell on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

That means Josh O’Keefe and Aman Verma will be pushing for starts in midfield, while wideman Adrian Cieslewicz returned to training this week.

Meanwhile, Whild admitted he was thwarted in his attempts to strengthen before registration deadline last week.

With Marvin Johnson going on loan to Hednesford, the manager was keen to bring in one or two new faces to bolster his options.

He said: “We wanted to add a couple and had a few targets but clubs at this stage of the season didn’t want to lose good players.

“We only wanted to add players of a certain quality, it’s no good bringing in one or two for the sake of it.”

l Fans can follow all the action from Grimsby and Forest Green with The Shuttle's match updates.