PAUL Cox hailed a ‘brilliant result’ even if his Barrow AFC side did not produce a brilliant performance to reach the last-eight of the FA Trophy.

Richie Bennett scored the only gaol of a scratchy affair against Kidderminster Harriers at Holker Street to book a quarter-finals berth for the Bluebirds.

His was one of only two efforts on target over the 90 minutes from the Bluebirds, though National League North high-fliers Kidderminster only had two of their own late on.

Cox recognised his side – who were saved twice late on, first by a flying header from Paul Turnbull and then by a diving save from Jon Flatt to deny Harriers – were not at their best, but insisted it was all about the result as AFC moved to within three games of a potential Wembley final date.

“I’m really chuffed with the result,” said Cox. “The performance today wasn’t brilliant, but the result was.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, and it didn’t surprise us that it was a tough game. It’s all about getting through.

“It was a bitty, scrappy game from our perspective. It’s just good to get through the next round.

“This last month has been the most vulnerable we have been as a football club. We created some great memories, but sometimes we have created a rod for our own back.

“It was good to win today. It was good to win against Lincoln, but we followed with Forest Green. I have just felt we have been a little bit vulnerable.

“We started like this at the start of our run at the beginning of the season. We ground out a few good wins, we kept clean sheets and we worked hard as a side.

“Even though I don’t think there was a lot of quality on show from us today, I was more impressed with how resolute we were, how organised, and that application and desire to keep clean sheets again.

“We’re through to the next round and we have plenty to build on.”

Bennett’s goal came early in the second half after good work down the right flank from new strike partner Shaun Tuton.

It was Tuton’s ball across the face of the goal which Bennett touched home for his fifth strike in as many games, and Cox was pleased to see his team rediscover some of the methods and tactics which led them to be so successful before Christmas.

He added: “The goal was a really simplistic goal from us, and one we were the best at at this level for 26 games.

“We’ve taken it to the corner, Tuts has done what he does best, which is run and get into those pockets, the ball is excellent and it’s no surprise that Bennett taps one in.

“As a team, we worked hard. There were bits and bobs in the game where we looked a little bit out of shape, but the most important thing was the result and going through. I’m pleased overall.”

The draw for the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy takes place at 10.30am today. See www.nwemail.co.uk for details of whom Barrow are paired with, and see tomorrow’s Evening Mail for reaction to the draw.