HARRIERS boss John Eustace wants his players to embrace the occasion when they welcome FA Cup opponents Chester to Aggborough.

The Vanarama National League outfit, managed by former Kidderminster player Marcus Bignot, will fight it out with the Reds for a place in the first round proper this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Bignot won the Conference League Cup with the club in the 96/97 season before sealing a switch to Crewe Alexandra but the Harriers faithful will hope he has less to cheer on his return.

Eustace is expecting a battle on Saturday but says his side will enjoy the challenge.

"It will be an extremely tough game against a side from a higher level. They have lots of experience," he said.

"We just need to embrace the occasion and enjoy the day.

"It's exciting for the fans too and a good chance for us to test ourselves and continue our progression. The players and everyone at the club is looking forward to it."

The Reds go into the cup clash on the back of last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bradford Park Avenue.

They were without the injured James Pearson and Andre Brown but Mani Sonupe netted his eighth goal of the campaign as the visitors fought back to share the spoils.

Eustace said: "It was an excellent away point and we deserved all three, so there are a lot of positives to take.

"We have suffered a few injuries again but we're doing okay and the players that are coming in are giving 100 per cent and doing well."

The Aggborough boss handed a debut to former Walsall defender Jimmy O'Connor.

"I was very pleased with his debut," he added. "We have a lot of young players at the club and his experience will be vital. He's a good defender and can really help the group."

Defender Pearson (hamstring) and forward Brown (calf) had to miss the draw with Bradford Park Avenue and will have their injuries assessed later this week.