So cruel and no Kidding
Two added-time goals rob Harriers of glory as Hammers gget off hook
A heartless gang of villains from London’s East End trashed Kiddy’s par t ies before making their escape with some ill-gotten gains.
But for David Moyes and West Ham, the only charge they are likely to face is robbery without violence.
Plucky Kidderminster Harriers were just two minutes away from becoming the first sixth-tier team to beat a top flight side in the FA Cup’s 151-year history.
Sadly, there was only heartbreak for the Midlands side as Declan Rice struck in stoppage team to cancel out Alex Penny’s opener.
Just when they thought fate could not be more cruel, they were seconds away from a penalty shoot- out when
Jarrod Bowen completed the turnaround in the last breath of extra-time.
Shattered Kiddy boss Rusel l Penn said: “David Moyes has been great.
“He said some really kind words at full-time, he said his side didn’t deserve to win.
“He’s got a lot of respect for us and likewise because he’s one of the best.
“Our players delivered everything. They delivered heart and soul.
“Of cou r se we’re disappointed by the timing of the goals but I couldn’t be any more proud.
“To take a team like West Ham, which was full strength for the last 50 minutes, to extra- time and nearly to penalties is a credit to us.
“I don’t think we would want replays to make a comeback. We were one minute away from winning .
“To have an atmosphere like that today, the energy around the place was superb. We need the fans now more than ever.
“I don’t believe West Ham were the better team. They plugged away and stayed in the game but I thought we were excellent.”
After an even opening quarter, Penny side-footed home following a free-kick, sending the home crowd crazy at Aggborough.
West Ham, who made eight changes, forced keeper Luke Simpson into a number of smart saves in the second half but for much of the tie,
Harriers looked the likelierer to progress.
England international Rice was brought on in the second per iod and he stayed composed in the penalty area with seconds remaining, hammer ing home an equaliser to spare his side from an embarrassing defeat.
It was then one-way traffic in ext ra time and the Hammers completed their comeback when Bowen tapped in an Aaron Cresswell cross across goal.
Relieved boss Moyes said: “Kidderminster deserve all the credit.
“They played really well. We gave them a chance to get a goal in front which made things a wee bit difficult and we had to chase it.
” We were fortunate to win, they were unfortunate to miss out on penalt ies.
Kidderminster did a great job and it was probably harsh on them how we eventually won the game.
“In the end we got there and thankfully we are in the draw for the next round.
“I thought we weren’t going to get through as the game went into injury time.
“We hadn’t tried well with many things but what we had done hadn’t come off.
“Declan made a difference which he has been doing.
“It was there for everyone to see and at the time in the game it looked like probably no one else would be able to get the goal. It took a special player to get the goal.
“But we have got a long way to go if we think we’re going to get into finals.
“We have a lot of work to do and we will have to improve greatly.”