ADAM Murray believes his side are their own ‘biggest obstacle’ after Kidderminster Harriers exited the FA Cup at the second round qualifying stage.
Harriers lost 3-1 away at divisional rivals AFC Telford United at New Bucks Head as the club’s FA Cup campaign ended at the first hurdle.
And Murray admits his side must improve their decision-making at both ends of the pitch if they are to improve over the course of the season.
Murray said: “I’ve never really been a cup guy, my focus has always been on the league.
“But I really wanted a cup run this season so I’m gutted. To go out is hurtful.
“We can’t concede the goals we’re conceding and we’ve been really good with our defensive output this season.
“We have a lot of dominance of games but we’re not killing people at the minute.
“We’ve been our biggest opponent. Our biggest obstacle is us. Some of our decision-making.
“Our ruthlessness in the 18-yard box needs to go up and when we can get that we’re going to be a very good team.”
Goals from Rhys Hilton and Orrin Pendley put the home side in command before substitute Tobi Sho-Silva halved the deficit for Harriers late on.
Kidderminster goalkeeper Christian Dibble saw red in injury time and Telford made the extra player count at the death as Charlie Williams finished into an empty net.
The visitors saw an early goal ruled out for offside while Harriers boss Murray also took issue with Telford’s third goal.
And Murray branded the performance of the officials as embarrassing but accepts his side did not do enough to win the game.
Murray added: “It was a really strange game. We dominated most of the game. We’re not putting the ball in the back of the net.
“We created enough to win a football match, we had an awful lot of corners, throws and open play in the box. It’s decision-making that’s hurting us.
“We’re not winning enough first contacts, we’re not alive enough in the box. You can’t have that much territory and not win a game of football.
“On the flip side, we should be one-nil up. The officials have said it’s offside. It’s three yards onside, it’s embarrassing which confuses me.
“The officials took centre stage. It’s becoming a joke now. I need to look at the rules but I’m sure the last goal is offside.
“The fourth official tells us he’s played 55 seconds over already before the free-kick so he’s going to blow the whistle hence why we put the goalkeeper up.
“The attitude of the referee allows the game to play just to punish us which is embarrassing.”
Kidderminster are next in action against Buxton on Saturday, September 20 with kick-off at 3pm at Aggborough.
