ANOTHER big League Cup draw has paired Kidderminster Harriers with major Division One opposition next Wednesday when they face Ipswich Town for the first time.

Harriers, who tackled Nottingham Forest last season and lost 4-0, travel to Portman Road (7.45pm) for a first-round fixture in the newly sponsored Carling Cup.

Ipswich were playing in the UEFA Cup in 2002/03 and the Premiership the season before that but had a clear-out in the summer as financial problems bit.

They have added three free transfers in keeper Kelvin Davis (Wimbledon), centre-back Drissa Diallo (Burnley) and midfield man Georges Santos (Grimsby).

But the Suffolk side have lost Danish defender Thomas Gaardsoe (West Brom), keeper Matteo Sereni (Lazio), Republic of Ireland international Matt Holland (Charlton) and Nigerian Finidi George.

Darren Ambrose (Newcastle) and Hermann Hreidarsson (Charlton) also left for transfer fees towards the end of last season.

Ipswich play Reading first in the league on Saturday with left-back Chris Makin set to shake off a thigh injury.

They can boast Spanish striker Pablo Counago, formerly of Celta Vigo, who was top scorer last season with 21 goals and teenage talent Darren Bent bagged 18.

Other familiar names are Irish cap Jim Magilton and ex-Hartlepool man Tommy Miller in midfield along with experienced defender John McGreal.

Before Ipswich, Harriers must concentrate on their first Division Three task, a home game with relegated Mansfield Town on Saturday (3pm).

The Stags, managed by Keith Curle, lasted only one season in Division Two after finishing third to gain promotion and were let down by the number of goals they conceded.

Harriers fans will remember former loan striker Colin Larkin, one of Mansfield's main goal hopes, and midfielder Neil MacKenzie who is unlikely to start.

They have made three defensive summer signings in Tony Vaughan (Motherwell), Dave Artell (Rotherham) and Maltese international Luke Dimech (Shamrock Rovers).

But Vaughan (ankle) and left-back Adam Eaton, whose pre-season preparation has been dogged by injury and illness, are major doubts.

They finished off their friendly results with a 1-0 win at Scarborough and a 4-1 triumph at Worksop.