HEAD coach Matt Gardiner was impressed with Kidderminster Harriers' professional approach as they beat Boston to book a place in the first round of the FA Trophy.

Goals in each half from Elton Ngwatala and Joe Ironside secured a 2-0 replay win at Aggborough on Tuesday night to hand the Reds a home clash with holders York.

Harriers were forced to face their fellow National League North opponents for a second time in four days after conceding late on to draw 2-2 last Saturday.

However, Kidderminster got the job done at the second time of asking and can look forward to the next round on December 16.

Gardiner said: "It was a very tough game on Saturday and you could see again tonight with their new manager coming in that they are trying to impress.

"But I thought the guys were very professional, the gaffer is very happy with the way we managed the game. We scored two good goals, could have had more, but we were really confident moving the ball around.

"We could have done things a little better in some of the periods of play but everything that was asked of the players they came out and performed and with a clean sheet to boot, so it's good.

"It's just continually being brave on the ball. I think it's easier said than done but you have to keep playing and keeping the crowd with you.

"I think coming into the game on a cold night we want to move it around quickly and we managed to do that. They were intent on having a go but we defended well in that first period.

"We scored after 10 minutes and then went on to control the game. We've controlled large portions of that game, which is what we wanted, but the main objective was to get through to a home tie against York.

"We'll move on to the next game and we'll be ready for that one.

"We'll prepare right and, as always with the gaffer, we'll concentrate on our game plan and what we're going to do."

Harriers now face Gainsborough Trinity at Aggborough this Saturday (3pm kick-off) looking for another important three points to cut the gap to the play-off places.

Meanwhile, Gardiner was also pleased with the way right-back Tyrone Williams stepped in at short notice against Boston after defender James Pearson fell ill in the warm-up.

He added: "Unfortunately, James had an illness during the warm-up and it was very clear that he wasn't going to be able to play. Tyrone has stepped in straight away and that's important for staying focused and concentrating and then he gets his chance.

"He's come in, we've got a clean sheet and he's had a solid performance and something to build on for the weekend."

Another positive for the hosts was more minutes on the pitch for substitute Liam Truslove following a long-term injury absence.

"We mentioned a few times about looking to get him back," added the coach. "He's had a good couple of weeks of training now and probably one game behind the scenes and we've just got to build his minutes up.

"But you can see even when he came on the game before last that he looks to get on the ball. If he gives it away he goes and gets it again and keeps you ticking. He's a very good player, a very good finisher and the quicker we get him up to match speed everyone will be happy."