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David Moyes admits West Ham were 'lucky to get through' against Kidderminster Harriers

Declan Rice in action for West Ham during their FA Cup clash against Kidderminster Harriers

The Hammers required extra time to fend off a relentless Kidderminster side in the FA Cup.

West Ham left it late - twice - to squeeze past Kidderminster Harriers in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The hosts took the lead through Alex Penny after 19 minutes, and David Moyes' side had no answer to their energetic display.

With Kidderminster seconds away from completing the giants-killing, Declan Rice stepped up and scored a 91st minute equaliser, sending the game into extra time.

Kidderminster, who currently sit 113 places below West Ham in the league pyramid, held on for the remaining 30 minutes, and looked well on their way to a penalty shootout.

However, in cruel circumstances, Jarrod Bowen clinched the win with virtually the last kick of the game, sending West Ham through to the fifth round.

Moyes acknowledged after the final whistle that luck was on his side during Saturday's clash.
"All credit to Kidderminster, they played really well. We gave them a chance to get a goal in front which made things a wee bit difficult and we had to chase it.
"They deserve all the credit, we were fortunate to get through and they were really unfortunate not to take it to penalties at least.
"I thought we weren't going to get through (as the game went into injury time). We hadn't tried well with many things but what we had done hadn't come off.
"We have got a long way to go if we think we're going to get into finals. We have a lot of work to do and improve greatly."

Moyes also took time to credit Declan Rice's performance, after the 23-year-old's goal spared his side's blushes.

"Declan made a difference which he has been doing. It was there for everyone to see and at the time in the game it looked like probably no one else would be able to get the goal. It took a special player to get the goal."
Kidderminster manager Russ Penn was understandably gutted in his post-match interview, describing the result as "heartbreaking".
"It is the magic of the cup, isn't it? With two minutes to go I was believing it and then a minute later. Things like this don't happen in other countries. It is something special.
"I thought there would be another chance but to score from that chance was heartbreaking. I thought we'd get blown away in extra time but we didn't.
"I'm gutted for the lads. They're crawling around in the dressing room. They were piling the pressure on but it was just unfortunate they scored from the last phase of the game.
"It has been fantastic. To take a Premier League team to that close to the fifth round - fifth round from the National League North?"
Penn also reserved praise for Moyes following the match, praising the Scotsman's humility.
"It is a huge honour for me to be managing across from David Moyes. He said some lovely words. He said: 'Well done, we didn't deserve it'."

READ MORE: Who has had the easiest route to the FA Cup final since the competition returned to Wembley?

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