FIVE-GOAL ace Paul Stansfield and ex-York City star Ian Blackstone are primed to answer a knockout striking crisis for bubbling Harrogate Town.

The UniBond League first division title-hunters seek to extend a 17-game unbeaten run tonight when they switch their focus to their FA Umbro Trophy second round tie at Kendal.

Three times the tie has been called off by wretched weather, but all the signs indicate the game at Netherfield Road will at last be played tonight at the fourth time of asking.

Unfortunately that coincides with Town being hit by a front-line setback.

New signing Jason Harris is cup-tied after appearing with Southend United in an earlier round before his release from the Football League Third Division club. Craig Elliott is doubtful with a groin strain, while one-time York City forward Iain Dunn is suffering from whiplash injuries suffered in a car crash.

Both Harris and Elliott, the latter replaced by the former, were on target in Town's emphatic 3-0 conquest of title rivals Ashton United, so their absence will be a significant blow.

But Town manager John Reed was confident the return of Stansfield and Blackstone would provide fresh impetus to the aim of bypassing hosts Kendal and earning a glamour third round tie against Conference hopefuls Doncaster - ironically Reed's hometown club.

Stansfield is indeed in prime form. He walloped in five goals in Harrogate Railway's 7-3 Northern Counties East League premier division thumping of Eccleshill.

Purred Reed: "We let Paul out to Railway to get some games under his belt so he'll be back and he should be in good heart after his five goals."

The Town boss has his own heart set on bagging a clash in the next round at Doncaster.

"I'm a Donny lad and I've been involved with the club in lots of ways," recalled Reed.

"I coached their Academy under-14s. I've scouted for them and I even played for their reserves in the late 1980s, so I would love it if we could get through to meet them in the next round. That would be a massive test, but the sort you would want to play in."

Reed acknowledged that Kendal would have to be disposed of first and he would be warning his in-form men against complacency.

"Kendal will not be easy. Their pitch will be a leveller as it is very boggy. We have to make sure we approach tonight's tie right and do the job."

Updated: 12:16 Tuesday, December 18, 2001