HARRIERS boss John Eustace is expecting a close FA Trophy battle when York City visit Aggborough.

Kidderminster drew 1-1 at Bootham Crescent when the sides met in the league in November and they’ll again go head-to-head in the first round this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The Reds manager said: “It’s going to be another close game because they have an excellent manager, a good side and are one of the favourites to go up from our division.

“We’ll aim to be competitive as always and will approach the game no different to any other.

“We’ll have to work hard first and foremost and earn the right to play our football.

“Hopefully the fans can come down and get behind us as well.”

Harriers’ clash at Chorley last Saturday was postponed due to the freezing conditions but the team has still been able prepare for the weekend with a host of indoor training sessions.

Defender James Pearson may recover from injury in time to feature but midfielder Dan Bradley remains three to four weeks away.

Reds were linked this week with a move for Gloucester City attacker Ed Williams but Eustace said no deal was imminent.

“He’s a player we are aware off and he scored against us last season but as far as I know nothing is happening at the moment,” added the boss.

“I’m very happy with my squad and we’ll get even stronger when Dan Bradley comes back too. He’s doing well at the moment and is hopefully just a month away now.”

Meanwhile, Harriers have brought in Mark Muddyman as the club's new under-19 academy manager.

He will be working with that age group across the expansive academy set-up at the Centre of Sporting Excellence (COSE) in Kidderminster.

He has strong experience in academy football and has most recently been working at Premier League side Watford.

“I was so impressed, the minute I came in here and met Colin and the guys,” said Muddyman.

“The club has a real Football League feel to it and has an ambition to get back to where it was before and further than that.

“The infrastructure here is superb and there are some really qualified, top members of staff.

“The club is going places and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.”

* Harriers have extended the opening hours at the club shop at Aggborough until 7.15pm tomorrow night (Thursday) for fans keen to get their hands on their festive gifts.