ADAM Murray admits the atmosphere before Kidderminster Harriers’ play-off semi-final victory against Macclesfield felt like a cup final.
Harriers reached the National League North play-off final following a convincing 3-1 victory against Macclesfield at Aggborough.
Goals from Richard Faakye, Kieren Donnelly and Seb Thompson booked Harriers a final date with league runners-up South Shields.
And Murray admits his side altered their gameplan to nullify Macclesfield’s attacking threat after acknowledging the Silkmen’s run to the fourth round of the FA Cup this season.
Murray said: “It’s a great day. There was a feeling like it was a final around the ground.
“The result and the victory is the main thing. Macclesfield was the one game I didn’t want.
“I just think they’re a one-off excellent team, that’s why they have good cup runs and lots of promotions.
“I was wary of this game and we knew we had to change what we did a little bit. We sat a little bit deeper.
“When you get a plan like that and it comes together and it works, there’s nothing better.
“The players were absolutely outstanding. I’m really proud of them.”
Only four players who started in Kidderminster’s opening game of the season also featured in the starting XI against Macclesfield.
And Murray believes his side have built a special bond over the course of the campaign heading into this weekend’s play-off final.
Murray added: “The growth we’ve had as a club with all the recruitment and change we had in the first few months.
“We had to have a massive turnover of players this season. It took us time to get going.
“As soon as they walked out of the dressing room, I knew it was going to take something to stop that team.
“We’ve built something special here at the minute and we’re still building. It’s great but the job is not done yet.
“If we turn up [in the play-off final] and show our identity again, we’ll have a good day.”
Kidderminster travel to South Shields in the National League North play-off final on Saturday, May 9 with kick-off at 12.30pm at the First Cloud Arena.
