It’s the return of the Emirates FA cup – The Blues were handed a tough away tie in the First Qualifying Round against Harborough Town. (currently second in the Southern League, Premier Central Division). For those that are not in the know, that is the equivalent league to the NPL. So, step 3 opposition in the first round of the cup for the Blues. However they did well to draw 0-0 to earn the right to a replay.

Leek will be buoyed by their 3-1 win over Warrington Town on bank holiday Monday with goals from Ollie Shenton, Hayden Campbell and Alex Hurst. The Blues will head into the FA Cup replay boosted by the draw against Harborough and will be in the hat for the draw on Monday.

Harborough Town were also victorious at the weekend before drawing with Leek, winning 1-0 away at the summit of the table against Kettering Town saw them overtake Kettering into 2nd place.

The True Blue Army will assemble at?
Having drawn 0-0 at the weekend we have earned the right to a replay and so we will be playing at the F Ball Community Stadium

We will be wearing Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts & White Socks

How much to get in?

• Adult - £13
• Concession - £9
• 21-18 £9
• Under 18s £5
• Under 8s Free

You can pay on the gate or buy your ticket ONLINE IN ADVANCE HERE

The Opposition?

• Harborough Town – The Bees
• Formed – 1975
• Ground – Bowden Park
• Gaffer – Mitch Austin

Their Website?
Harborough Town

How are they doing?
Currently second in the Southern League Premier Central Division – Harborough are very much a team that will be looking to be promoted this season. In the 24/25 season, they were narrowly defeated in the play-off semi final on penalties against Kettering. They finished the campaign in 5th place on 71 points. Just 9 points behind champions Bedford Town. They have started the 25/26 campaign well with 13 points from a possible 15, with wins over St. Ives Town, Kettering and Bury Town. The Bees will be looking to emulate their FA Cup heroics last season which saw them reach the 2nd round proper of the competition – where they went to Reading at the Madejski Stadium in front of a 8,000 crowd. Harborough looked to be heading towards a historic 3-3 draw, however it was not meant to be as two extra time goals by Chem Campbell sealed a 5-3 win for the Royals.

Their Main Man?
The Bees will be hoping that last seasons 20 goal talisman Ben Stephens can find the type of form that fired them into the play-offs last season. He was the second top scorer in the division in 24/25, only bettered by Leon Lobjoit of champions Bedford Town. Stephens has already found the net twice this season but appears to be coming in from the bench. The 28 year old striker has a wealth of non-league pedigree boasting clubs such as Kettering, King’s Lynn and Macclesfield on his CV. Harborough’s number 9, Riley O’sullivan is also one to look out for.

Their Gaffer?
Mitch Austin has managed over 200 games for the Bees. An interesting character who never really played football to a high level, Mitch decided to enter into coaching from an early age. His roles have included stints as assistant manager for Kettering Town and St. Ives Town, and Manager at Bugbrooke St. Micheals and Rothwell Corinthians. He took the main job at Harborough town in 2020 and has lead them from the United counties league up to the Southern League Premier central division. Last season he lead Harborough to a play off place and the 2nd round of the FA Cup.

Interesting facts about Harborough Town FC
Honours
United Counties League Premier Division South champions 2021–22
Northamptonshire Combination Premier Division champions 2009–10
Leicester & District Mutual League Division Five champions 1977–78
Records
Best FA Cup performance: Second round,
Best FA Trophy performance: Second round
Best FA Vase performance: Fourth round
Record attendance: 1,600 vs Bury, FA Cup fourth qualifying round, 12 October 2024

Harborough Town have an avid Spanish following and were visited by over 100 fans in April after being featured on a Spanish youtube video about non-league football in the UK. The Bees have since been to Madrid on a pre-season tour allowing for a meet and greet with their unlikely new fanbase.