Local pride is at stake at Aggborough where Harriers take on former Conference rivals Cheltenham Town.

Fans are expecting a crunch match after Harriers stung their Gloucestershire opponents last season with a thrilling 3-1 win at Whaddon Road.

Boss Jan Molby brings in 39-year-old non-contract veteran Eric Nixon, Tranmere's goalkeeping coach, into goal for the suspended Stuart Brock.

It is obvious Molby is not prepared to pin his faith in Brendan Murphy who is yet to make his Football League debut.

Skipper Mark Blake is also banned so Tony Bird comes in with Dean Bennett likely to move into the centre of midfield. Tony Bird

Cheltenham are without the injured Steve Jones, a Molby summer target, Richard Walker, and suspended forward Neil Grayson.

They bring former Harriers boss Graham Allner, now reserve team boss at Cheltenham, and ex-captain Mark Yates back to Aggborough.

HARRIERS: Nixon; Clarkson, Smith, Hinton, Stamps; Bird, Bennett, Williams, Shilton; Larkin, Broughton. SUBS: Murphy (GK), Foster, Ducros, Shail, Hadley.

CHELTENHAM: Book; Duff, Banks, Howarth, Victory; Williams, Yates, Howells, Milton; Alsop, Naylor. SUBS: Brough, Griffin, Devaney, Jackson, Muddleton (GK).

REFEREE Roger Furnandiz (Doncaster).