HARRIERS pulled off an impressive Emirates FA Cup upset at Aggborough as they won 1-0 against Grimsby Town.
A cool penalty from Ashley Hemmings on 72 minutes was the difference in a tight game against a side fighting for promotion in the National League, one step above Harriers.
In front of a crowd of 2799, Harriers booked their place in the Second Round Proper of the competition for the first time since the 2013/14 season.
Harriers flew out of the blocks with a big early chance on after just six minutes. Hemmings playing a flat cross in for Amari Morgan-Smith to head goalwards and away from an off-central positioned goalkeeper Max Crocombe, but the Grimsby man managed to re-adjust and make the save.
The same man had another chance a couple of minutes later, turning sharply and racing on to a hooked through ball by Sam Austin and blasting into the side netting on the half volley.
It was the away side that started strongest in the second period with Michael Efete, Lennell John-Lewis and Luke Waterfall all having opportunities within the first 20 or so of the game re-starting, but Harriers would win a penalty on 72 minutes with Ethan Freemantle being fouled by Luke Waterfall.
Hemming strolled up to it with a long and slow ‘run’ up, before calmly rolling the ball into the opposite side of net to Crocombe’s dive.
The Mariners looked to respond but found Harriers defending resolutely, shouts for a penalty were waved away on 87 minutes and Harriers held on through the five minutes of stoppage time to seal their place in the hat.
The draw takes place at approximately 9:45pm on Monday night on ITV 4.
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