htafc.com caught up with Town boss Andy Ritchie in the scrum of press after today's brilliant 2-1 win over Premiership side Birmingham City to get his feelings on the game.

"I think that we've played to our optimum and they had a little bit of an off-day. We've had some sterling performances out there and everybody played their part - it's a fantastic feeling to be in the next round.

"We got the early goal, but they equalised soon afterwards with a quick break. They did that on a couple of occasions but we stopped them by giving away free-kicks, which perhaps we should have done for their goal. Despite that setback, we didn't stop doing what we wanted to and we've got the result in the end. It's a good dressing room to be in.

"You are always going to come under periods of pressure when facing a Premiership side, but Matt Glennon made a couple of good saves and came to collect a few crosses when we needed him to. We had one or two good chances that we missed as well, but all in we are very pleased.

"Credit goes to Luke Beckett; I don't think it's his forte to run the channels at his age, but he was fantastic today and what a ball it was for the winning goal; you might not expect him to dig it out at that time in the game.

"The two lads who have scored the goals for us today - Beckett and Chris Brandon - have found themselves out of the side recently as you are sometimes in football, but both have staked a claim for a place and I have a nice problem going into next weekend!

"I don't want to single anybody out in particular, but I have to mention the performance of James Berrett today. He turns 19 in just over a week and it was his full debut, but I thought he was exceptionally assured on the ball and that's the kind of person he is - he takes everything in his stride and it was a classy performance from him today.

"The conundrum is 'why can't we play like that every week?' We'll enjoy the night tonight, but that might be my first question on Monday and hopefully we'll start doing that in our division.

"It was a great turnout and atmosphere today and that's where we want to be every week. If we can put in performances like we have today, then hopefully that will follow.

"That will be great for the lads' confidence and hopefully we can carry that into the League."

Remember, next Saturday's home match against Gillingham is only £5 admission for all!