Isuzu FA Trophy 3rd Round Proper
Harborough Town v Carlisle United
Saturday 13th December 2025
Kick Off – 3.00pm
Match Sponsor – Red Lion Pub, Great Bowden
Author – Ben Monti
Image – RB Media
Cup football returns to the Beehive on Saturday, with Harborough Town hosting National League opponents Carlisle United in the Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round Proper — the furthest the club has ever progressed in the competition.
Carlisle United arrive with a long and recognisable history in English football. The Cumbrians spent a season in the top flight in the mid-1970s and have continued to carry a strong identity across both the Football League and the non-league game. The Club boasts an impressive hall of fame including ex Premier League faces such as Matt Jansen and Rory Delap, as well as iconic figures like Peter Beardsley and the legendary Stan Bowles. Before embarking on the long journey south, the Blues are in league action hosting midtable Woking on Wednesday night, under the lights at Brunton Park.
Guided by manager Mark Hughes, Carlisle are enjoying a fantastic first half to their season. Yes, that Mark Hughes! The former Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United forward, not to mention former Wales, Fulham and Manchester City manager. The Blues currently sit joint-top of the National League and have shown a level of consistency worthy of a promotion challenger, losing only their first game in twelve last weekend. The outing saw them fall to a 4–1 defeat away at Blackpool in the Second Round of the FA Cup, after ironically overcoming Reading in the First Round. Their best FA Trophy performance came in the 2004–05 season when they reached the Fifth Round.
Carlisle’s main attacking threat comes through top goal scorer Regan Linney, a man the Bees can absolutely not afford to switch off from. The resolute Harborough back line will have their work cut out for them and will be determined to keep the forward quiet throughout the afternoon.
Harborough come into the tie after a two-week break following the postponement of last weekend’s fixture against Bishop’s Stortford. Their most recent match was a 1–1 draw at Barwell, which extended their unbeaten league run and left them second in the table, despite having played three games fewer than most sides. Their only defeat of the season came against National League Altrincham in the FA Cup, and even that required extra time.
It has been a season full of memorable cup moments for the Bees, having already beaten higher league opposition three times this season. Wins over Worksop Town and Peterborough Sports, along with victory over Enfield Town in the previous round of the Trophy, are prime indicators of a team full of belief, full of character and a collective who refuse to shy away from any challenge. Alongside their serious promotion credentials, the Bees have really begun to establish themselves as a strong knockout side, following back-to-back historic runs in the FA Cup and now reaching the Third Round of the FA Trophy for the first time.
For Mitch Austin, the occasion carries added significance. In recent seasons, Austin has stood opposite figures such as Ruben Selles, Tim Flowers and Phil Brown, but going toe-to-toe with Hughes represents another monumental milestone in the young manager’s career. It is worth remembering that just four years ago, Austin and the Bees were plying their trade in the United Counties League, a reminder of the scale of the occasion.
With a large crowd expected and a place in the Fourth Round on the line, Saturday promises to be another important chapter in a season that continues to surpass expectations. The loyal Cumbrian supporters travel in numbers, and you can be sure their noise and flags will make their presence felt. Therefore those donning the yellow of Harborough need to be Mitch and the boy’s twelfth man.
For those still wanting to be a part of the action, please refer to the ticket information below:-
The match will be an all-ticket event and segregation will be in place within the ground; no tickets available on the gate.
Ticket Pricing for the fixture will be £15 Adults, £8 Concessions & £3 U16’s.
Remaining Tickets are on general sale from the clubhouse: Tuesday 9th of December 7pm-8pm and Wednesday 10th of December 7pm-8pm.
Tickets will be sold on a first-come first-serve basis – Don’t miss out!
Any media enquiries for the game should be directed to media@harboroughtownfc.org.