Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 Reading: National League North side come from behind to knock out Royals
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Second-half double earns non-league Kidderminster comeback victory over Reading
Kidderminster Harriers, the lowest-ranked side left in the FA Cup, produced another memorable upset to knock out Championship side Reading.
"Days like this will never leave the players' memories," said boss Russ Penn after sixth-tier Harriers beat a side 79 places above them in the pyramid.
George Puscas put Reading ahead on the stoke of half-time at Aggborough.
But keeper Rafael Cabral's error handed Sam Austin an equaliser before Amari Morgan-Smith netted from close range.
Again it was a nightmare for Reading keeper Cabral, who tangled with Morgan-Smith as he attempted to meet Ashley Hemmings' right-wing corner, but both players and the ball ended up over the line.
Kidderminster may have been fortunate to get away with a potential foul on the keeper, but National League North side Harriers were worthy winners - especially after having to see out 12 minutes of injury time.
"I'm stuck for words," said Penn. "I'm so proud of the players and the football club.
"At half-time we said it's about staying in the game. Then, when we got the equaliser it felt like there was only going to be one winner."
Always a day to remember for Kiddy on 8 January
Saturday 8 January is always a day to treasure for Harriers fans of a certain age.
It was that day, back in 1994, when they produced their biggest cup upset, beating Birmingham City at St Andrew's on third round day on their march to the last 16.
But this one was also a personal moment to treasure for Morgan-Smith, the only survivor of the team that reached the third round eight years ago, beating Peterborough in a replay thanks to a late Joe Lolley winner before losing to Sunderland in the fourth round at the Stadium of Light.
The current side have not lost in eight league games since defeat at home to Brackley on 8 October. And, although they had not played in three weeks because of opposition Covid cancellations, there was no sign of any ring rust.
George Puscas put Reading ahead at Aggborough on the stoke of half-time
Reading, 21st in the Championship, made eight changes from the side which shipped a 2-0 lead to be held 2-2 at home by Derby in the Championship on Monday.
That included bringing in a former Premier League title winner in Danny Drinkwater in midfield. But the Royals, who had won just twice in their previous 11 league games, still showed the same failure to hang onto a lead.
Reading took the lead on the stroke of half-time, when Drinkwater floated a neat ball over the top, Tom Dele-Bashiru's touch took it into the path of Puscas - and he evaded the linesman's flag to fire home a low shot.
But, even after that, Harriers carried on pressing all the buttons. Especially after former Leicester City and Chelsea man Drinkwater went off in the 58th minute, to be replaced by Andy Rinomhota.
But, having already lost Alen Halilovic just before the break, Reading were really disrupted when Felipe Araruna, having also just come on for only his second appearance after 16 months out with injury, dislocated his knee and himself had to be replaced by Michael Stickland.
Having so many times gone close, Harriers finally levelled on 69 minutes when wing-back Alex Penny's right-wing cross was headed down by Caleb Richards, Austin shot from 15 yards, Brazilian keeper Cabral fumbled and the ball squirmed over the line at his near post.
Then came Morgan-Smith's dubious close-range winner, followed by a red flare and a pitch invasion, which helped increase the time added on - but another Aggborough party had already started and the Worcestershire sauce flowed.
Kidderminster Harriers boss Russ Penn:
"I'm a Wolves fan but I never played there. So, selfishly, I'd love to play there but they've got a tough game [at home to Sheffield United on Sunday].
"Wolves, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea - it's mad to even be talking about these clubs.
"We know it's a one-off, up against a Championship side and we've exceeded expectations. We want to be a league club again.
"That's our overall objective but we've got plenty of heart. We had our objectives for this season and this was one of them."
Reading boss Veljko Paunovic told BBC Radio Berkshire:
"A horrible night. A horrible second half for many reasons. Kidderminster are a tough, organised team but nothing was unexpected.
"The FA Cup is very lovely and very interesting but the priority is the Championship. We can't afford to lose more players and we did.
"Alen Halilovic is not a long term injury. But it was a terrible injury for Felipe Araruna. To see someone with a knee dislocated is a terrible sight and it impacted on our youngsters.
"We are devastated with injuries and fitness levels but definitely what happened in the second half must be fixed."
Watch five third-round ties live across the BBC including Manchester United v Aston Villa - plus highlights from every match (UK only). Read the full details here.
