After a stunning 3-0 win at home against League One, Doncaster Rovers sees Kidderminster Harriers progress to the Second round of the FA Cup.
This looks to hopefully be the beginning of another significant cup run for the Harriers, with their last stand out showing in this competition came in 2022 under Russell Penn where they hosted West Ham United in the Fourth Round at Aggborough Stadium.
However, there was heartbreak for the community after two late grasp goals from Declan Rice in the 91st minute and Jarrod Bowen in the 121st minute halted their cup run, after an early lead was secured by Alex Penny.
He talked on the effects of the FA Cup for small towns, saying that: “FA Cup breeds massive confidence… It was fantastic for the town and catapulted the club to where they are now.”
“Kidderminster had a fantastic result on Saturday, 3-0, whitewashed a team two leagues above”
Penn did look ahead to the Harriers next test and touched on what awaits them: “I think they have got a really stern test, Barrow away is a tough game, a former manager as well which adds a little spice to the fixture”
“If they can get through this, the third round is in sight”
As the Reds look to be within touching distance of the Third round, Penn advises the players and current manager to “Enjoy the occasion. You are 90 minutes away from going through but you are also 90 minutes away from having to wait another year to get through”
“You have always got to play to your full potential, and hopefully it is enough to see you through”
During Penn’s spell as manager at Aggborough he led Kidderminster to wins against Grimsby Town, Halifax Town and Championship side Reading.
“1-0 down to a Championship opposition and then go on to score two goals in the second half and win the game. That stands out to me”
He reminisced stating: The whole thing when you look back is a fairytale now, so close but so far but still an unbelievable achievement”
“I think we would’ve broken records if we’d have held on for two minutes more, we would’ve been the lowest ranked team to of beaten a top ranked team in the history of the FA Cup”
“I was immensely proud”
He admitted that the National League North side at the time, their preparation did not change massively. They did attend games of their opposition, Reading and West Ham. Experiencing the full match day with hospitality at the London Stadium.
However, he did say: “It’s a little bit more surreal when you’re writing Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and those kinds of players compared to your National North players on the weekend.
Kidderminster Harriers head to Barrow in the next fixture of the FA Cup over the weekend of 5th December.
