KIDDERMINSTER Harriers’ speedy frontline were singled out for praise by assistant manager Neil Howarth as they got the better of King’s Lynn in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

Justin Richards, Matthew Barnes-Homer and winger Brian Smikle’s raw pace ensured that Harriers got through a tricky clash against the Blue Square North side in Norfolk.

Even with defender Luke Jones sent off in the second half, Harriers had too much firepower for the Linnets to set-up a first-round proper clash against Cambridge United at Aggborough.

Harriers survived a double scare in the first minute when Keith Lowe cleared Michael Frew’s first-time shot.

Keeper Adam Bartlett then saved from striker Jack Defty after Harriers fell asleep at a corner.

Barnes-Homer’s fine volley opened the scoring in the 27th minute, before strikes by Russ Penn and Martin Brittain handed them a 3-0 lead by half-time.

Smikle pounced on an error by keeper Scott Howie in the 49th minute to ensure Harriers’ safe passage into the next round.

They were reduced to ten men after Jones was shown a straight red card after grabbing Michael Frew after the two had been battling for the ball.

Richards bagged a fifth goal in the 62nd minute, before Joe Francis pulled back a consolation effort minutes later.

“Good teams don’t lose two on the bounce,” Howarth said.

“It’s the way you respond to defeat that matters.

“Adam Bartlett made too many saves for our liking, but once we got in front and they had to commit themselves in attack our pace made the difference.

“Justin, Matthew and Brian had the speed to pick them off.

“It was a good professional performance. We had one of the toughest draws in the cup and it was never going to be easy.

“We could have been 2-0 down in the first minute but aside from that it was a good job.”

Of Jones’ sending off, he added: “Luke has apologised in the dressing room.

“At 4-0 up and cruising in the game there's no need to get involved, but as long as he doesn't do it again and learns from it it will do him good.”