RUSS Penn was a relieved man after watching his Kidderminster Harriers side see off Southern League outfit Tamworth in the FA Cup at Aggborough.

A professional performance netted a 1-0 win against the Southern League Premier Central high-flyers, who’d come to Worcestershire on the back of some excellent form of their own.

The visitors dug in and defended resolutely for a fairly tepid first half in which neither goalkeeper found themselves majorly extended.

Penn, perhaps sensing a Cup upset, rang the changes early in the second period and introduced striker Amari Morgan-Smith and winger Gabby Rogers.

The pairing upped the ante and the atmosphere at the stadium, and Harriers were soon ahead after Caleb Richards’ header found the back of the net for the breakthrough.

It was the hugely reliable performer’s first ever goal for the team, and it was enough to ward off the challenge of the Lambs, who for their industry, failed to truly test goalkeeper Tom Palmer.

"It was a tough game and a tough afternoon,” Penn admitted after his side secured a fourth win in six matches and another clean sheet.

"When the expectation's there, it is always a level above what you need to do, so I am delighted we're through first and foremost.

"The performance got better throughout the game, but it's job done now."

Harriers were on the front foot after going ahead and could’ve had a second goal through skipper Shane Byrne.

In the final third of the encounter, Rogers himself went close with an audacious effort before fellow sub Morgan-Smith also went close after turning well in the area.

The Harriers chief admitted the substitutes had more than played their part in helping the team into Tuesday’s Third Qualifying Round draw.

He said: "Gabby Rogers and Morgan-Smith were the catalyst of changing the tempo of the game to be honest.

"We huffed and puffed for the first 60 minutes but with no real quality.

"It just takes someone to put their foot on the ball and move it around with a bit of urgency.

"It raises the tempo of the whole ground."

Harriers return to league action next Saturday (24th) as they travel to Kettering Town in National League North.

There is football at Aggborough that weekend as Harriers Women host Sutton Coldfield Town, in a match that is free for supporters to attend. Fans should process a ticket via harriers.co.uk.