Jimmy O’Connor praised a ‘special’ turnout from Harriers fans as an attendance of almost 4,000 watched their 3-0 home win over Hereford at Aggborough on Tuesday night.

Harriers continued their excellent run of form with this win in the derby, with a goal from Sam Austin and Amari Morgan-Smith’s brace putting ten-man Hereford to bed.

Once again it was a performance in front of a packed crowd, the huge turnout coming after Harriers had travelled with more than 800 fans to AFC Telford United for a 1-0 win last weekend.

Reflecting on the Hereford success, O’Connor’s highest praise was for those in the stands.

He explained: "When you get a good result at the weekend you're always looking straight ahead and thinking 'how are we physically and mentally?'

"I think that was put to bed when we heard there was going to be a following like tonight.

"3,900 on a Tuesday night in February - that's special. That's a testament to everyone at the club."

Harriers had put the game to bed by half time against the Bulls, who’d had Kristian Pearce sent off for hauling down Morgan-Smith.

A minute later the hosts were a goal up, too, a corner headed down into the path of Austin who hooked a finish back over a crowd of bodies on its way into the net.

Hereford should have been level not long after but spurned a key chance through Maziar Kouhyar who side-footed over the bar when placed to do better.

Sensing blood after that miss, Harriers went for it and Morgan-Smith’s two finishes sealed the result. First, Austin turned provider with a low cross that the striker tucked home. The former Luton men then bettered that finish with a great turn and shot for his 11th of the campaign with 36 played.

The second period was far quieter by comparison, with Harriers still going close through Ashley Hemmings, Omari Sterling and notably Alex Penny. The defender’s 85th minute run ended with a shot that looked destined for the bottom corner, only for it to trickle off target.

"It was a thoroughly professional performance,” added O’Connor, who immediately turned his attention to Saturday’s visit of Alfreton Town to Aggborough.

"We keep driving home to the players that if you want to be successful and get where you want to get, it's about slogging it out, preparing right.

"The players have really bought into it - straight away it's on to the next game and that's Alfreton on Saturday."