West Ham and Michail Antonio pile praise on plucky sixth-tier Kidderminster after FA Cup thriller

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West Ham stunned Kidderminster with two stoppage time goals in the FA Cup
Declan Rice, in the 91st, and Jarrod Bowen, in the 121st minute scored the goals
Plucky hosts Kidderminster played brilliantly and were unlucky not to progress
The Hammers, players and fans took to social media to commiserate sportingly

Published: 11:29 EDT, 5 February 2022 | Updated: 11:49 EDT, 5 February 2022

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West Ham players and fans have commiserated with Kidderminster Harriers after their superb performance was outdone by two very late goals.

National League North side Kidderminster played brilliantly against David Moyes' Premier League side in their FA Cup fourth round match at Aggborough Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

And although Jarrod Bowen's strike in stoppage time of the second half of extra time - seconds before penalties - denied the sixth-tier Harriers the chance at spot-kicks, they were quickly praised on social media for their plucky showing.

Kidderminster have been praised despite losing to West Ham in their FA Cup tie on Saturday

The Harriers played brilliantly but were denied by two very late goals from David Moyes' side

West Ham's official Twitter account posted the message: 'Brilliantly played, @khfcofficial. Players and fans a credit to the club,' followed by a clapping emoji. 'Thanks for having us and good luck for the rest of the season.'

Hammers striker Michail Antonio, not in the squad after returning from international duty with Jamaica, continued: 'Fair play Kidderminster and all the fans out there today, fought the whole way and can walk away with their heads held high.'

And even fans of the top-flight side recognised the grit and determination shown by the home side and wished Russell Penn's men well for the rest of the season.

Both players and fans took to social media to praise the National League side's performance

One said: 'Massive credit to you guys today. I really hope Kidderminster get promoted this season, got an excellent bunch of players that are good enough to get up to the National League. Best of luck for the rest of the season.'

Another added: 'Gutted for your amazing players, what a performance, absolutely outstanding... you were the better team by a country mile. Disappointment is temporary CLASS never fades.'

A third said: 'Well done Kidderminster, you deserved more than that,' with another simply stating: 'Unlucky lads you deserve more.'