FA Cup: Lancaster City 2 - 3 Kidderminster Harriers

Phil Brown's side produced a memorable display against their higher-league opposition in the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round, but a strong second half showing from the hosts saw City exit the prestigious cup on Saturday.

In front of a crowd of nearly 600, the sun was shining and a great game of football was on show and it was the visitors who took an early lead. A Kidderminster corned eventually fell to striker Andre Brown to turn and fire a low shot from close range to open the scoring.

Lancaster were back level in a matter of minutes with a well worked goal from leading scorer Jordan Connerton. Neat build-up play saw Billy Akrigg race through on goal and unselfishly squared for Connerton to tap into an empty net.

Mike Hale then continued his fine form with a point blank double-save from Jame McQuilkin to keep the score level, before denying Arthur Gnahoua's long range effort.

The Dolly Blues then went ahead just before half time thanks to a wonder striker from Billy Akrigg. 35 yards from goal on a layoff from Oliver Crolla, the midfielder smashed a worldie of a strike in off the post to spark wild celebrations.

After the intervals the visitors came at City with fast attacking play that the Dolly Blues defence struggled to cope with at times and a quick-fire double salvo saw the visitors equalise and then take the lead less than ten minutes after the restart.

McQuilkin's mis-hit shot fell to the feet of Brown at the back post for a simple finish to make it 2-2. Just three minutes later Harriers were in front when Tyrell Waite cut in from the right flank and flashed a shot across goal and into the far corner of the net.

Despite City's best efforts the extra fitness combined with Lancaster's extra games in the past fortnight took their toll as tired legs created ineffectual attacks for the remainder of the game. Akrigg tried his best to get worldie number two with City's best chance, but fired over the bar from the edge of the box.

It brought an end to a fantastic FA Cup run with Kidderminster running out deserved winners on the day. The next road to Wembley begins on next Saturday as Lancaster's attention turns to the FA Trophy. Droylsden and Phil Brown's side will battle for £2,500 in prize money next Saturday at Giant Axe, kick off 3pm.