Izuzu FA Trophy 1st Round
Harborough Town FC v AFC Rushden & Diamonds
Saturday 25th October 2025
Kick Off – 3.00pm
Author – Ben Monti
Image – RB Media
Harborough Town host AFC Rushden & Diamonds at the Beehive this Saturday for another exciting cup tie as they take on one of non-league’s most community-driven clubs in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper. The tie provides the Bees with an opportunity to match their best run in the competition, having reached the Second Round Proper in the 2023/24 season.
Founded in 2011, AFC Rushden & Diamonds were established as a community run phoenix club, rebuilding towards the former glory days of their defunct predecessor, who famously climbed from non-league to the Football League in the early 2000s. The reformed Diamonds have since forged a proud identity of their own, with a passionate supporter base and a clear ambition to return to higher levels of the non-league pyramid.
Currently competing in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division, the Northamptonshire side, led by manager Elliot Sandy, have endured a mixed start to their league campaign and sit just above the relegation zone. They will see this weekend’s clash as an opportunity to go one step further than their previous best FA Trophy run, which ended at this very stage.
There is added local interest too, with just 20 miles separating the two clubs. The sides last met at the Beehive in April 2024, during Harborough’s promotion season. Goals from Dylan Wilson and Ethan Johnston secured a 2–0 win for the Diamonds, one of the few home defeats suffered by the Bees that year. Harborough defender Liam Dolman could also feature against his former club, adding another layer to the story.
The Diamonds’ fans, known for travelling in numbers, will show up in full force, confident their team can cause a cup upset. Those in yellow will need to bring their voice and create an atmosphere that makes home advantage count. Although the league remains Harborough’s primary focus, the Isuzu FA Trophy presents the Bees with one last knockout competition in which they can enjoy another gripping run.
Ticket pricing has been reduced for this fixture and is confirmed as:-
£12 Adults | £6 Concessions | £3 Under 16’s
❌ | Season Tickets & Coach Badges are not valid for this game.
Tickets are available to purchase online for this fixture, via the link below:-
Fans are encouraged to purchase in advance to ease congestion on the turnstiles.
🔗 | Buy Tickets Online Now
Tickets will also be available on the day via the turnstiles as normal, with cash and card accepted.
For any fans not able to attend, match commentary is available via Radio Diamonds on the link below:-
🔗 | http://radiodiamondsafc.mixlr.com.
Any media enquiries for the game should be directed to media@harboroughtownfc.org.