TOWN chief JOE ROYLE lavished praise on young strike ace Darren Bent last night as his side made their first cup progress of the season."I really felt that Darren was terrific.

By Dave Allard

TOWN chief JOE ROYLE lavished praise on young strike ace Darren Bent last night as his side made their first cup progress of the season.

"I really felt that Darren was terrific. He was so unfortunate not to score. On another night he could have had four or five," said Royle.

At one stage the 19-year-old Bent struck the woodwork and he was unlucky with other worthy efforts on an evening when Kidderminster keeper Stuart Brock was inspired.

Royle went on: "All-in-all we had 25 attempts at goal and I don't think anyone could argue with the result.

"I thought that Drissa Diallo was outstanding at the back and that big George Santos had an excellent game too."

The Blues boss, whose side drew 1-1 at home to Reading in the league opener on Saturday, said: "We are creaking towards our best form. Pablo Counago and Marcus Bent are not really firing up front as yet, but it will come.

"You worry about lightning striking in a game like this with a team from a lower division out for a giantkilling act, but we came through and created so many chances."

IAN BRITTON, the Kidderminster boss, felt that his keeper Stuart Brock had been so inspired that if it had gone to penalties it might have been a case of victory for his side.

"I thought we more than matched what I consider to be a very good First Division side. I'm well chuffed.

"We've given our fans who made a long journey plenty to cheer about," said Britton.

"Everyone played their part, but our

keeper did especially well. When you get tired you start making mistakes and that's what happened to us towards the end.

"When they scored we fluffed around a bit instead of moving the ball away. Our keeper played so well, but so did other members of the team. It was a gallant effort."

Britton, whose side opened the Third Division campaign with a 2-1 home win over Mansfield at the Aggborough Stadium last Saturday, went on: "We have the basis of a good side. We like to try to play. That is the Kidderminster way."

He added: "We can take plenty from this match. It is such a smashing place to come to play football.

"My team did themselves much credit. It was a game played in the right spirit. We wish Ipswich all the best in the next round."