Chapple believes that in Tate, who will miss the game because of suspension, Scarborough have one of the top hot-shots in the conference.

Chapple said: "They are a very good side and are dangerous up front. They have the lad Tate, who Rushden bid £250,000 for on transfer deadline day. But if we play well and continue to improve then we can win this game.

"We played them up there earlier in the season and came away with a 1-0 win. That day it was a hard battle and I expect Saturday to be the same,"

But Chapple has injury doubts ahead of the game with Phil Wingfield still unavailable with a thigh problem, Simon Stewart still out following a groin operation, Robin Taylor ankle ligaments and David Leworthy out for the rest of the season after a knee operation.

"There is a chance that Dave could still play a part but it is only a small chance," said Chapple. "Simon is making good progress while Wingfield and Taylor are quite close to resuming training.

"We will have two to three games a week to play from now until the end of the season and to have Phil and Robin back in the next couple of weeks will be a bonus for the squad," said the Ks boss.

Scarborough, who were relegated in acrimonious circumstances from the football league last May have injury problems of their own.

Colin Addison will be without Tate, who serves a one match ban for his second five-card haul of the season and other doubts include Marcus Jones (ankle), Neil Thompson (foot) and former Crystal Palace and Watford defender Lee Sinnott with an Achilles problem.

Ks (from): Farrelly, Mustafa, Luckett, Crossley, Allan, Harris, Patterson, Pitcher, Akuamoah, Boylan, Green, Hurst, Lester, Saunders, Simba, Hendry, Basford, O'Connor.

Scarborough (from): Russell, Betts, Rennison, Ellender, Jones, Morris, Stoker, Brodie, Ingram, Roberts, Newton, Harriett, McNaughton, Alkhatib, Gildier.

Kingstonian

Chapple's

Chatter

A good all-round performance at Sutton on Saturday has set the scene for the second leg at Kingsmeadow next Saturday. I have said all along that one could toss a coin as to who will be the

finalists and nothing has changed my mind since.

Yes, I can hear you Ks supporters expecting home advantage to see us through, but believe me, these Umbro Trophy semi-finals test the nerve of even the most experienced of footballers.

One or two of our lads had got themselves so wound up they were unable to perform to the best of their ability. It's all about the occasion and the prize at stake.

Players, directors and supporters all have emotions, we all want to win desperately and on occasions such as these, as long as we win, nothing else matters.

I personally don't have any favourites in our dressing room, all are treated equally and with the utmost respect. We are blessed with a wonderful spirit among our players, something that hasn't changed since I joined. We have to understand that footballers are not machines, sometimes they will play below par.

The message I am trying to get across to one or two directors in the game is to support your team totally, and not single out any one individual who may not be having the best of games. Of course we all have a right to our opinions but remember they are your players and they want to do well for you.

Many thanks for your support.

Leader of the gang

Alistair Exworthy, who will be seven years old this Tuesday is having a football party at the club. He will also be leading the team out on Saturday at the match against Scarborough as part of his birthday treat.

Member Simon Bangs was 11 on the last day of March so a belated birthday greeting from everyone at the club. A warm welcome to two new members of the Junior Ks Supporters Club: James Fisher who is nine and David Kirkham who was 10 in February.

All members who have already signed up with the Junior Ks are invited to receive membership packs this Saturday and have a photo with the players before the game. All available members must enter the pitch at the players' tunnel at 2.30pm in preparation for the presentation. If you cannot make it do not worry because there will always be another date. Application forms are in the club shop or call: 0181 547 3335/6. Please remember that all our Junior Ks receive a FREE pass to all Conference fixtures, so if you are not a member by the end of this season, this concession will not be available.