Belief the key for FA Cup hero Delwyn (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Belief the key for FA Cup hero Delwyn

5:57pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News

Harriers FA Cup hero Delwyn Humphreys believes the battle to reach round two may be decided between the ears rather than on the pitch.

Humphreys knows all about giant-killings in the oldest club knockout competition in the world, after being part of the Harriers squad which shocked Preston North End and Birmingham City in the 1993-94 season on the way to the fifth round.

Now Steve Burr’s side are aiming to emulate that legendary group of players at Aggborough on Saturday when they enterain League One outfit Oldham Athletic (3pm ko).

“This sort of cup-tie is decided by mentality,” said the popular striker.

“If Harriers go in believing they can win then they’ve got a chance.

“Oldham will be favourites but if they don’t take this game seriously then there’s a chance of Harriers making it through.”

The Aggborough outfit became the sixth non-league team to reach the fifth round of the cup after an amazing run.

Humphreys scored twice as the Reds saw off Chesham United in the fourth qualifying round, before wins over fellow non-league sides Kettering and Woking set up a testing game at Birmingham City, managed by the flamboyant Barry Fry, in the third round.

Despite falling behind to Paul Harding’s ninth minute strike, Neil Cartwright and Jon Purdie ensured Harriers roared back to cause a cup shock.

That set the blue touch paper burning and Humphreys, who was signed from Shropshire side Bridgnorth for a five-figure fee, dumped out Preston in the fourth round at Aggborough with the game’s only goal.

Harriers’ adventure came to an end at the hands of Premier League West Ham, managed by Billy Bonds, when they were edged out 1-0.

Humphreys, who recently took over at Midland Alliance side Ellesmere Rangers, can also promise the current generation of Harriers players things will never be the same again if they sink Oldham.

He added: “Scoring in the FA Cup and being part of such a successful run changes you life.

“I can still walk into pubs where I live now and somebody will bring up me scoring against Preston.

“I will always cherish my time at Harriers, I had some success afterwards with other clubs but nothing like at Kidderminster.”