KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will face King's Lynn in the National League North play-off semi-final on Sunday after a 1-0 win at Alfreton Town in their play-off Eliminator on Tuesday evening.
Amari Morgan-Smith scored inside 60 seconds as Harriers recorded their seventh win in a row to book their place in the semi on Sunday lunchtime.
It marked the first time in the five attempts at the play-offs in the club’s history that Harriers have successfully negotiated a round of the play-offs.
To go one further and reach a first ever play-off final, the Reds will need to knock off a King’s Lynn side who, ironically, have also won their last seven on the bounce.
"We go to, statistically, the best team in the league who are in the play-offs," said assistant manager Jimmy O’Connor.
"They've finished second in the division and were unlucky not to go up. It's up to us to go up to their place and put on a good performance and hopefully get the win.
"We'll do our homework like we always do... but we'll be full of confidence as well."
O’Connor had watched on as Harriers notched what has become a trademark early goal, Caleb Richards crossing for Morgan-Smith to steer beyond George Willis in the Alfreton Town.
The visitors managed the game superbly from there and barely conceded so much as a serious chance from open play.
On 18 minutes Shane Byrne had a volley saved by Willis, while Matt Rhead forced a couple of efforts off target for the hosts.
Richards went close to a goal within seconds of the restart as Harriers pushed again, Willis making a superb save four before the hour as he thwarted Alex Penny at a corner.
With 13 left to play, Ashley Hemmings flashed a shot across the face of goal before Byrne struck over again.
Harriers soaked up pressure during five minutes of added time but, despite throwing the kitchen sink at it, Alfreton never looked like breaching a stern rear-guard.
O’Connor admitted celebrations wouldn’t last long, adding: "We want to enjoy tonight but we're not getting carried away at all.
"We're just starting, and we want to keep our season going after Sunday."
Harriers presented their end of season awards after the final home game of the season against Kettering Town last Saturday.
Krystian Pearce cleaned up with two big awards, crowned Supporters and Players’ Player of the Season.
Joe Foulkes scooped the Young Player of the Season award to cap a successful season on loan with the club.
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