LEE Thompson's hopes of toppling his former club in the LDV Vans Trophy were dependent on Walsall last night.

Walsall do not want Taiwo Atieno to be cup-tied but a defeat for the Saddlers against Bournemouth in the competition would leave the on-loan forward free to play tonight at Boston United (7.45).

Thompson, who left League Two mid-table outfit Boston in the summer after a three-year spell, would be Atieno's likely replacement if necessary for the second round tie.

Kidderminster Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss is otherwise set to restore Wayne Hatswell at left-back following a one-match ban with Michael Blackwood moving forward to midfield.

Simon Heslop is likely to drop into the middle alongside rookie Russ Penn as Terry Fleming seems likely to miss out after suffering with illness since Saturday's 0-0 Conference draw with York City.

Watkiss admitted: "It will be a tough task, especially when you consider we have got such a young team. But it does provide a chance for them to stake a claim for a place.

"We shall see how the two youngsters do in central midfield with their energy there. It's a massive challenge for them but they showed on Saturday that they are capable of making it.

"They will probably be up against two players with tremendous experience in Stewart Talbot and either Chris Holland or Simon Rusk.

"It will also be a massive game for Marc Pugh who will stay on the right of midfield.

Better

"Over the last three or four games I think we have done much better and if we carry on like that, we should be OK. But, on the flip side, despite playing much better we are not getting the results and that's a concern for us."

Harriers slipped to 16th in the Conference at the weekend, despite keeping only their third clean sheet of the campaign.

Twelfth-placed Boston have suffered two defeats in the last three games following a formidable 12-match unbeaten run.

Boss Steve Evans intends to field a full-strength side with former Aston Villa star Julian Joachim and ex-Nottingham Forest target man Jason Lee the current strike pair.

Watkiss admitted: "Geographically, it could have been a much better tie for us and we will be facing a good team when we get there.

"They had a slow start to the season but have really picked up and they are a long way in front of us in terms of height, experience and their budget."

Though Harriers defeated another League Two side, Darlington, 2-1 at Aggborough in the last round, they failed to win at Boston in the Football League and suffered two miserable 3-0 defeats.

Meanwhile, Watkiss is pursuing a midfielder and striker on loan in time for Thursday's 5pm deadline. Then only extreme emergency signings, such as goalkeepers, will be allowed up until January 1.

He added: "I've spoken to clubs and am hopeful we can get a couple of deals done by Thursday."

Injured midfielders Gareth Sheldon (hamstring), Martin O'Connor (knee) and Simon Russell (wrist) are likely to be out for another two, four and 10 weeks respectively.