Harriers 3 Vauxhall Motors 1
Former Wolves ace Andy Mutch failed in his bid to mastermind a shock win over Kidderminster who trailed 1-0 at half time.
Former Wolves ace Andy Mutch failed in his bid to mastermind a shock win over Kidderminster who trailed 1-0 at half time.
The newly appointed Vauxhall Motors manager saw his side take a 32nd minute lead before Harriers moved up a gear to seal victory with goals from Matthew Barnes-Homer, Justin Richards and Michael McGrath.
Their efforts enabled Mark Yates' men to pick up £10,000 in prize-money and secure a first round proper trip to Hertfordshire on November 10 to take on Ware, who are ninth in the Ryman League Division One North.
Kidderminster's hopes of a successful Cup run looked in jeopardy at half time after Vauxhall overcame a couple of scares before going ahead when David Roberts beat the offside trap to drill the ball past goalkeeper Chris MacKenzie.
It was a major boost for 43 year-old Mutch who was in charge for only the second time after stepping up from assistant in a role reversal with Carl Macauley.
His delight, however, quickly began to subside after the break when determined Harriers put heir foot down on the accelerator.
The introduction of midfielder McGrath as a substitute for defender Jonny Harkness helped to open up the visitors defence which finally cracked in the 52nd minute when Paul Bignot sent over a pin-point cross for Barnes-Homer to head firmly past keeper Sean Lake.
It was the beginning of the end for the hard working Blue Square North outfit who failed to reproduce the kind of fighting spirit which raised a few eyebrows at Aggborough last season.
On that occasion they roared back from being 3-0 down in an FA Trophy first round tie to draw 4-4 before losing the replay 4-0.
On Saturday, however, they were unable to prevent Kidderminster battling back from two successive Blue Square Premier defeats with goals in the 76th and 86th minutes.
