PRESTON are eager to kick start their season but face a potential banana skin at Kidderminster in the Worthington Cup tonight.

In 1995 then non-League Kidderminster defeated North End 1-0 with a certain David Moyes playing in defence.

Now the Deepdale boss willl be hoping to mastermind a victory over the Third Division side which will boost his team after picking up one point in their opening two Division One games.

"My friend Matt Shail plays for Kidderminster so we know we can't underestimate them," said defender Rob Edwards who has just been recalled to the Welsh side.

"He says they are a good side, pass the ball a bit but that is what you would expect from Jan Molby's sides.

"I know when they got us they were pleased they'd got a big club in the First Division.

"This is how people now look at us. Last season we were always the underdogs but we are not anymore.

"We know we want to get a win tonight. We want to go through to the next round so it is important."

The 5-0 defeat on the opening day of the season at Gillingham has now been put to the back of the North End players minds after a 1-1 draw with newly promoted Walsall at Deepdale on Saturday.

"The first result showed we weren't ready, Saturday was a bit better but I still don't think it was on a par with a lot of our performances from last year. It is though something to build on," admitted Edwards.

The defender is hopeful North End can keep their current squad together -- plus any additions -- after Wolves have been linked with striker Jon Macken again and again.

"We only know what we read in the papers but obviously we want to play with the best players we can," said Edwards.

"Jon is a good goalscorer so if we can keep hold of him it is good.

"You never want to see your best players go. His goals have been invaluable to us."

While Macken is being chased, Moyes has added to the squad with former Rovers striker Kevin Gallacher who could make his first start tonight.

Gallacher has signed a one-month deal at Deepdale with a view to a longer-term option.

Paul McKenna, who will miss tonight's clash after limping off against Walsall, said of Gallacher: "He is fine, he is a good lad. The younger players will learn a lot off him. In training his run rate and movement are quality so that can only be beneficial to the squad.

Edwards added: "Kevin's experience will also be an asset. Many people said last year we did have experience in the camp but he has been there and done it and that can only help."