KIDDERMINSTER will look to ramp up the pressure on the top two when they return to league action this Saturday.

Harriers will go to Bradford Park Avenue on the back of three successive victories and sitting just behind leaders AFC Fylde and second-placed Chorley.

Manager John Eustace is expecting a tough challenge at Bradford due to the impact of new boss Mark Bower.

Third-from-bottom Avenue have also won their last three games following an upturn in form since Bower’s appointment at the start of the month.

Eustace said: “We are playing with confidence at the moment but they are also on a good run themselves.

“They have a new manager, have improved in recent weeks, it will be a tough test. We will have to be focused and make sure we are at our best.”

The Reds continued their fine form when brushing aside Lincoln United in the FA Trophy last Saturday.

A brace from Liam Truslove and a strike from Andre Brown saw them progress to the first round of the competition at the expense of their opponents from Northern Premier League Division One South.

It was a result that pleased the manager, especially after he’d rested a host of key players for the clash.

He chose to leave out Elton Ngwatala, Arthur Gnahoua and Keith Lowe and hand another opportunity to Ash Carter, Sam Austin and goalscorer Truslove.

“It was a very professional performance from us,” added Eustace. “We brought in two or three new lads and the team looked just as settled as always.

“I’ve always said how important it is that we have players pushing for a place. It is a squad game and those that came in showed what they can do again.”

Harriers have now been drawn at home against Telford United in the first round.

The clash is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 10.

Meanwhile, the remaining tickets for the Boxing Day game at Worcester City, who play at Bromsgrove Sporting’s Victoria Ground, are now on general sale at Aggborough.

Season ticket holders had the chance to buy tickets before the remaining 300 went on sale on Tuesday.