Kiddy heroes refuse to get in party mood
FA CUP hero Amari Morgan-Smith admitted Kidderminster Harriers’ celebrations failed to match their giant-killing performance. Striker Morgan-Smith, 32, celebrated with a family meal after manager Russ Penn warned his players not to over-indulge. Morgan-Smith, whose 82nd-minute winner came after Sam Austin equalised following George Puscas’s opener, revealed there was no all-night ‘bender’. ‘The game has changed and we have another important game on Tuesday,’ said Morgan-Smith, whose side face West Ham in the fourth round. ‘The manager said we could go out and enjoy Saturday night with our families but don’t do anything silly. ‘I went for a nice meal with my family, who came to watch. I was with my five-year-old daughter Alexie, her mum Kate and grandad and my nephew and my brother. ‘We’ve got some experienced characters like me to keep everyone level-headed. So no one was going out on the lash — not to my knowledge, anyway! I had a few glasses, but that was it.’ National League North Harriers, 79 places below Reading, famously beat Birmingham at this stage 28 years ago to the day. They host Farsley Celtic tomorrow night in the league. ‘We will enjoy watching the draw, but we’ve got to be back on it by Tuesday,’ added Morgan-Smith. Penn added: ‘You can’t babysit them. You have to let them enjoy it and be professional.’ Flares thrown on to the pitch from both ends of the ground interrupted the game. Those delays plus Reading substitute Felipe Araruna being carried off on a stretcher with a dislocated knee caused 15 minutes to be added on. Hundreds of jubilant fans invaded the pitch afterwards and there were unsavoury scenes as some goaded the Reading supporters. A couple of opposing fans exchanged punches, part of an advertising hoarding was thrown and a full water bottle was hurled on to the pitch before order was restored. There were reports of Reading supporters having heated exchanges with their own team’s coaching staff. Harriers are unlikely to be punished by the FA, though, as they took the necessary precautions. Fans were warned in advance and during the game to keep off the pitch and not use pyrotechnics. Reading manager Veljko Paunovic was asked if he will be in charge for tomorrow’s visit of high-flying Fulham. He said: ‘I’m working as if I’m going to be, definitely.’