HARRIERS coach Matt Gardiner has challenged his players to carry their league form into this Saturday's FA Cup clash at Lancaster City.

The Reds have lost just two league games so far this campaign and maintained their recent unbeaten run with a fine fightback to earn a draw at Alfreton Town last Saturday.

A topsy-turvy day started in horrid fashion for the team. They fell behind in the first minute and trailed 3-0 at the break with a mountain to climb.

But three second half strikes from substitutes Liam Truslove, who bagged a brace, and Andre Brown saw them respond in fine style.

It was a second half that delighted Gardiner, who now sets his sight on progress in the famous competition.

He said: "It was really pleasing the way we came back into the game. The players were disappointed to get themselves into that position in the first place but stayed calm and remained patient.

"They did really well in the second half and could have even snatched it at the end.

"That experience will be another learning curve for them. The way they were able to fight back really does bode well for the future.

"The challenge now is to carry our league form into the cup. Regardless of the competition we are playing in we want to be competitive.

"We are expecting a tough test against Lancaster but will be fully prepared for it."

Saturday's goalscorer Brown was “over the moon” to open his account and aid Harriers' fightback.

The former Crewe youngster was a late substitute at the Impact Arena as Harriers threw everything at their opponents.

Admitting he thought it might never come, he spoke about his goal and reflected: “I’m over the moon to be honest!”

“I checked my shoulder after Elton’s pass and saw my left side was open.

“I rolled it and I was in two minds as to whether to play Mani in or to go for goal, but I thought, ‘I’m going to try and get a goal.”

Andre praised the team for their second half showing, adding: “All of the boys showed character and their work ethic.

“We didn’t start well admittedly, but we got out in the second half and dug deep."

Harriers warmed up for Saturday's FA Cup clash with a 4-2 friendly win over Stourport Swifts on Tuesday night.

A brace from Sam Austin and strikes from Rob Stambolziev and Ash Carter saw them come back from a 2-1 half time deficit.

Meanwhile, The Reds have announced the appointment of Adam Crowle as the club’s football development officer.

His role at Aggborough will see him working closely with all football facets of the club including the Football in the Community Trust, Football Academy and Development Centre.

He arrives having spent the last eight years working with The Albion Foundation, the community charity of West Bromwich Albion.

Also, teenage goalkeeper Tom Palmer has signed a professional deal with the club.

The 17-year-old has made great progress whilst continuing with his studies at the Harriers Academy.

He enjoyed a strong pre-season, including an eye-catching cameo display at Halesowen Town and a solid showing in the recent 4-0 FA Youth Cup win over Kidsgrove at Aggborough.