Academy through in Cup – again!

Harriers Academy sealed passage into the FA Youth Cup First Round for the first time in seven years with a win over Worcester City at Aggborough.

Tuesday night saw the young Reds down City 2-0 thanks to a brace from Bruce Minaker.

Harriers created chances from the off and were deservedly ahead after 27 minutes, Minaker continuing his own run of form by pressing the goalkeeper and bagging the opening goal as a reward.

City had their chances, drawing James Crump into a strong first-half save before hitting the bar with seven to go until the break, though Minaker might’ve added a second in added time when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Early in the second, Worcester were reduced to ten men after a foul on Ronaldo Ramirez, the hosts constantly knocking on the door in search of a second and City’s keeper keeping them in the tie.

George Dalton’s 72nd-minute effort had City in knots and deserved a second goal, that duly finally arrived with four minutes left to play as the pressure finally told; Minaker again the man on the mark as he charged down on goal and slotted home with real composure.

Almost 400 fans turned out on the night to back the two sets of players, Harriers now advancing into Friday’s First Round proper draw.

Congratulations again, lads!