No semi-final worries for Harriers boss (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

No semi-final worries for Harriers boss

2:24pm Sunday 21st February 2010 in Harriers

DELIGHTED Harriers manager Steve Burr was in bullish mood about who his side may face in the FA Trophy semi-finals after their fine display at Oxford yesterday.

Their 2-1 win at the Kassam Stadium ensured the Aggborough outfit booked their place in a two-legged semi-final, with the ultimate prize the final at Wembley.

Harriers could face Stevenage or Salisbury, while Barrow and York are set to play each other on Tuesday after their game was called off on Saturday. The draw for the last four is on Monday morning.

But Burr felt that if they could be at their best over two games then they had a chance of going all the way.

"We wouldn't have picked Oxford in the quarters but that's the draw," commented Harriers' manager.

"Whatever happens in the semis we'll have to accept it and hopefully we'll be good enough over the two games to get to Wembley."

Progress into the last four was secured thanks to substitute Robbie Matthews' 83rd minute winner.

Brian Smikle had fired Harriers into the lead in the 16th minute after a slick counter-attack but Matt Green had levelled the scores.

Oxford pushed but Matthews decided the quarter-final in dramatic fashion.

Burr said: "It's a cup tie, whether we deserved it or not we're through.

"Oxford put us under a little pressure in the second half but I always felt we would score.

"We hit them on the break a few times.

"I was delighted with the first half performance but we gave the ball away in the second half, which is understandable when you come here.

"We're pleased to be in the semi-final, it's fantastic."

"Our first goal was something we've been working on in training.

"From their corner we've scored, it was a great move which was finished off well.

"Just before that we could have scored but as I say, this was always going to be a tough one and we're pleased we're through."

The manager also praised a determined rearguard action and a fine debut by on-loan Derby keeper Ross Atkins, despite an error which led to the U's leveller.

"Ross felt he was impeded for their goal but I thought he made a tremendous debut today," said Burr.

"It was a difficult one to come into and he made two fantastic saves early on.

"I couldn't ask anymore from the lads at the back, they defended very well when they had to.

"Even late on when we scored we were still hitting them on the break and perhaps could have added to our scoreline.

"We could only come here and win and that's what we've done.

"I thought they were getting a firm footing on the game and we changed things around.

"I thought Junior [Brian Smikle] did well to set up the second goal and it was nice to see Robbie sticking it in."

Harriers now have a free week as Barrow, who Harriers were supposed to play at on Tuesday, entertain York in the Trophy on Tuesday.