ASSISTANT manager Russ Penn wants Kidderminster Harriers to build momentum as they head into a weekend of FA Cup action.

Reds can record back-to-back wins for the first time this season should they overcome Stafford Rangers at Aggborough in the second qualifying round on Saturday.

Penn says spirits are high in the camp following last Saturday's 2-0 success over Altrincham and wants the players to keep that going.

He said: "The win over Altrincham has to be up there with our best performances of the season. Along with Curzon Ashton it is the best we have played as a side.

"It would be great if we can build on that now and start to gather momentum. A win over Stafford would fire us nicely into Spennymoor a week later as well as meaning we progress in the FA Cup.

"It is a great competition and there is always a buzz around the place ahead of the games. I was lucky to play in it as a player and the gaffer (John Pemberton) played in the final, so it's a competition that means a lot and we're really looking forward to it."

Penn was also full of praise for the impact made against Altrincham by returning duo Milan Butterfield and Rhys Williams, who were away on international duty with Bermuda and England under-19 respectively.

"It's clear we have a very small squad so missing anyone is a big blow at the moment but they are important players for us in key areas," he added. "They came back in, have a big presence and did really well.

"Rhys has all the attributes to be a very good player and it's important to us that we develop him in the right way."

Penn also confirmed that the squad appears to be over the sickness bug that hit it last week.

The club underwent an enforced shutdown at the start of the week to make sure no-one else got ill ahead of an important weekend.

"It wasn't ideal for us, especially with the size of the squad we have, but it just makes that Altrincham performance even better," said Penn.

"They all dug in and gave there all and hopefully they are over that now."