Bradford Park Avenue manager John Deacey is already planning for tomorrow night’s FA Cup fourth qualifying-round replay trip to Kidderminster Harriers after the sides could not be separated in the first meeting.
The Horsfall boss expressed his pride after a 1-1 draw against the Conference Premier high-fliers earned them a second chance of progressing, with a first-round proper home tie against either Hemel Hempstead or Sutton Town awaiting the winners.
Deacey said: “I was delighted with the effort and attitude of the players and everyone involved with the club, from supporters to directors, should be proud of them.
“It was a very close first half and the game was just as even in the second.
“The players have done well against a very good side.
“Kidderminster are second in the Conference Premier and you can see why. They have quality all over the pitch.”
Deacey was very disappointed with the way Avenue conceded the Harriers’ equaliser but saw his side come close to snatching a late winner.
However, he admitted that Avenue’s best chance of progress had gone.
He said: “Overall the lads were magnificent but there was one lapse in 94 minutes and that was when we left their lad free to score from a corner.
“I went bananas at half-time but that’s for the dressing room.
“We had two very good chances to win it in the four minutes of stoppage time.
“One of them was a great shot that hit our own player, which is just bad luck.
“Perhaps that will be the difference in this tie. I think when you are up against a side like these – the second-best team in non-league football in the country – you get just one chance to beat them.
“It will be even more difficult tomorrow but we will give it our best.”
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