THERE’S no better and bigger test than meeting the title favourites — according to Kidderminster Harriers manager Gary Whild.

Harriers will be going all out to stun much-fancied Grimsby Town in tomorrow’s Vanarama National League opener at Aggborough (3pm).

Harriers are braced for a bumper crowd because Town, who were edged out in the play-off spots in May, have sold more than 1,450 tickets for the curtain-raiser.

Whild said: “Last season we got off to a good start, everybody was saying it was the best for years, and we’ll trying to emulate that and there’s no better and bigger test than the favourites for the league.”

While Harriers have had their budget cut in half, Whild feels he’s put together a more than competitive squad.

The club has had a summer of transition with new chairman Rod Brown at the helm.

“The chairman has been transparent and honest but you don’t start the season aiming for fifth from bottom,”

said Whild.

Harriers have fine-tuned his squad, securing goalkeeper Dean Snedker and wideman Adam Dawson for the season. Left-back Rob Taylor is expected to join Harriers on a non-contract basis, while West Bromwich’s rookie striker Andre Wright has joined on a youth loan until January 2.

Whild said: “The support from the spectators in terms of season tickets has been great because that’s probably allowed us to bring in one or two more players which makes us more competitive.

We feel we’ve been able to put a competitive squad together.”

Town boss Paul Hurst is trying to alleviate his side’s injury woes by bringing in ‘one or two’ new recruits.

Marcus Marshall has been ruled out after damaging his medial ligaments in Town’s final pre-season victory over Boston United.

Jon-Paul Pittman is also a doubt as he continues to struggle with a stomach complaint, while summer signing Omar Bogle has returned to training after a lay-off.

Hurst said: The good news is that Omar trained and looked lively, so hopefully there’s no reaction to his recent injury because we need him — we are limited in that area.”