TOP scorer Iyseden Christie is battling to be fit as Kidderminster Harriers look to recreate past FA Trophy glories tomorrow.

Harriers won non-league's premier competition in 1987 against Burton and lost Wembley finals in 1991 and 1995 to Wycombe and Woking respectively.

But after a five-season break from the Trophy due to their brief Football League stay, caretaker-boss Martin O'Connor would just be happy with a victory for now at home to Scarborough in the first round.

However, O'Connor insists their cup fate does not simply rest on the fitness of 10-goal Christie who has a neck injury stemming from back trouble.

Of the seven goals scored in Harriers' last six games, five have been bagged by the ex-Mansfield forward. Christie's absence was felt in last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Conference leaders Accrington.

O'Connor said: "Every club misses their bigger players and it would be a big wrench if he doesn't play.

"But we have players here who I think should be doing better and it would give them a chance to prove it. Whoever starts up front has a chance to stake their claim for a place as Russ Penn has done.

"Iyseden was a lot better yesterday but we will play it by ear. I don't want to push him as he might end up being out for longer. But, hopefully, he'll be available for Saturday."

Centre-half Mark Jackson (groin) also showed an improvement yesterday and hopes to face their fellow strugglers.

Harriers drew 1-1 at the McCain Stadium in August but missed chances and conceded a late equaliser to the unimpressive hosts.

Kidderminster have only taken one victory in their past eight league fixtures, while Scarborough -- who include ex-Kidderminster defender Simon Weaver -- have won just two of the last 11 games.

However, high-flying Exeter boss Alex Inglethorpe sang Scarborough's praises after edging to a 1-0 victory in North Yorkshire last weekend.

And O'Connor said: "We feel we should be pushing for the latter stages in this competition. But because of what's happened over the last few weeks and our last defeat it's important to get a victory this week regardless.

"We have been indifferent this season and have only been consistent in our inconsistency. We need to sustain a run of three or four wins.

"We are under-achieving as a squad and individuals are not reaching the levels of performance they should.

"Sometimes you have to roll your sleeves up collectively, stick two fingers up to the rest of the division and say 'this is the way we're going to do things'.

"We have to dig out results. We seem to get the confidence going but then fail to hang onto it. As a player, I don't like to lose and I just hope our players take up that mantle."

Harriers' senior fringe players, including the returning Gareth Sheldon, did not cover themselves in glory during the mid-week Worcestershire Senior Cup loss to Halesowen Town. They are unlikely to command a starting spot.