Harborough hit four past National League North side Peterborough Sports to claim another FA Cup scalp as their journey continues into the Fourth Qualifying Round.
Harborough Town 4 Hickey (39’), Walsh (51’), Malone (65’), Newton (68’)
Peterborough Sports 1 Booth (85’)
Before the game, all 909 in attendance observed a minute’s applause, paying tribute to the tragic loss of former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar who passed away following an in-game injury sustained last weekend.
The Turbines edged the opening stages, having the better of the possession despite lacking any danger in the final third.Harborough were forced to bring on Danny Newton after just ten minutes when Ben Stephens took an accidental boot to the face. Dan Jarvis saw a penalty appeal waved away for a potential handball, and Elliot Whitehouse’s toe-poked effort struck the post after a long-range shot from Marcel Oakley. However, that proved to be their best chance of the game. Harborough grew into the contest, and Newton almost made the difference with a stretching header being blocked for a corner after a delightful cross from Riley O’Sullivan. Brady Hickey’s clever backheel on 39 minutes capped off Newton’s bursting run into the box off the back of a George Carline flick-on to open the scoring for the Bees. A solid end to the first period was slightly dampened when Dempsey Arlott-John limped off in stoppage time. The Harborough faithful will be hoping the tricky winger, whose performances this season have been outstanding, will be back swiftly.
The away side almost levelled the tie not long after the break, when Bayley McCann found Max Booth in space, but he was denied by a stunning save from Elliott Taylor. Moments later, Josh Walsh doubled the home side’s lead drilling low into the bottom corner after the visitors failed to clear the ball. Turbines boss, and ex-Premier League manager, Phil Brown, made a triple substitution around the hour mark in an attempt to change his sides fortunes. Despite his best efforts, the Bees’ defence remained resolute, and Taylor, between the Harborough sticks, commanded his box admirably. He claimed crosses and dealt with everything that came his way. Harborough took control of the game, with Paul Malone powerfully heading into the top corner to make it three, before Newton got himself on the scoresheet, deftly prodding home following a good ball across the box from Riley O’Sullivan. Peterborough Sports’ difficult start to the season continued as they struggled to cope with the Bees in the second half; however, they did find a late consolation when Max Booth pulled one back after Maliq Cadden’s shot rattled the post. Harborough managed to see out the game comfortably, almost adding a fifth when substitute Luis Rose’s header kissed the post.
The Bees remain unbeaten in all competitions, enjoying another memorable cup run with an emphatic 4-1 victory. “We are delighted to still be in this wicked competition. It has been very kind to us and has brought us all so many great memories. We look to continue the magic in the next round,” quoted Austin.
Cup fever continues for the Bees with two further home cup ties – the first on Tuesday 30th September in the Westerby Cup against Lutterworth Town before welcoming Hednesford Town on Saturday 4th October in the Isuzu FA Trophy.
MOTM: Elliott Taylor
REPORT: Ben Monti
PHOTO: RB Media
MATCH: Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round
ATTENDANCE: 909