Proud Russ Penn knows his Kidderminster Harriers players have helped put the club on the map after a superb display against a Premier League giant.
The National League North club were left gutted – twice – when Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen scored late goals to end their dream FA Cup run.
Penn, right, even admitted the defeat wouldn’t have felt as bad had it been more able for West comfort- Ham.
“We would have felt better if we lost three or four nil, to be honest,” he said. “To be that close, we’re disappointed but also a lot of people are going to be talking about us now and how well we’ve conducted ourselves and played.
“I’m extremely proud, what we’ve done is nothing short of remarkable, and we were that close from making history today.
“We created a lot, stayed in the game, had a lot of ball. The goal came at the right time and we defended for our life in the second half but also had good chances.
“They were starting to turn it up a bit in the last ten minutes and I thought there would be another chance. Then I honestly believed in extra time we’d get blown away but we didn’t.
“The boys couldn’t give me anything else, they’re crawling around in the changing room, their legs are gone.”
Penn thought the telling difference was made by the introduction of England international Rice.
“The changes they made at half-time and after 60 were unbelievable and we take great pride in that they had to make those changes,” he said. “Rice changed the game, he was man of the match from when he came on, he completely changed their rhythm and I’ll have a few quiet words with him now because I’m not happy with him!
“He was streets ahead in terms of power and his ability but this is why the FA Cup is magical because our players would never have touched him in terms of league games.”
The Kidderminster manager, with the help of his dad, selected a bottle of red wine to give to West Ham boss David Moyes, who told Penn his side didn’t deserve to lose
“It was a huge honour for me today to me managing across from David Moyes,” said Penn. “He said some lovely words, well done, [we] didn’t deserve it.
“We’ve proved how good we can be against higher opposition.”
