CARETAKER manager John Finnigan was relieved to see Harriers make it into the third round of the FA Trophy after a hard fought 3-2 win over Lewes last night.

With Harriers set to announce their new manager by the end of the week, Finnigan's time as interim boss could well be coming to an end.

Management candidates Jeff Kenna and Jim Harvey were at Aggborough last night to watch the game, increasing speculation that Finnigan will not be handed the job on a permanent basis.

Harriers booked a place in the third round of the Trophy against either Worcester City or Carshalton on Saturday, January 30, but only after being punished for complacency.

Robbie Matthews and Darryl Knights fired into a 2-0 lead, but Lewes almost made them play for dropping down with two goals in the space of five minutes.

But just when a mid-week replay in Sussex looked on the cards, defender Gavin Caines forced home a 90th minute.

A relieved Finnigan said: "We got a little bit unprofessional and a little bit of sloppiness crept in but pleased to get through in the end.

"The boys were coasting really and when they're playing well like that you've got to learn to keep going.

"For a 10 minute spell we were sloppy and doing things we wouldn't normally do in tight games and it nearly cost us in the end.

"Overall there was no doubt we deserved to win a lot more comfortably than we did.

"At 2-2 our heads could have dropped but we kept going and we had a couple of chances just before the winner but we're delighted that Cainesy smashed that one in."

Finnigan has relished the challenge of being in charge of Harriers since Christmas and has admitted the experience has broadened his knowledge of how clubs are run.

"There are things I take for granted as a player that are always done for you and you don't realise how much hard work goes on behind the scenes sometimes," he said.

"This little spell I've had in charge has helped me realise how many people you need behind the scenes to help out, especially at a club like this.

"There's a lot of hard word goes in from a lot of people and they don't always get appreciated.

"I've taken a lot from it and learned so many different things, like I have said it's just been a great experience.

"I've been captain at previous clubs I've played for but it's not the same.

"There's a lot of young lads in the squad and I've got to lead it now, which is slightly different for me and for them seeing me in that position but they've been great.

"The players' attitude has been good and they've got on with it.

"I haven't been put off by tonight's game, that's what football's all about and there will be plenty more ups and downs if I continue.

"My heart was in my mouth a little bit but that's what management is all about. So far so good and we'll see what happens."