Leicestershire County Football League
Turner Insurance Services Premiership
Saturday 17th January 2026
Harborough Town Spencers (6) – (2) Welford Victoria
Player of the Match – Barrett Akpotor
Report – Tony Sansome
Harborough Town Spencers claimed derby bragging rights at the Beehive with an emphatic 6–2 victory over local rivals Welford Victoria, continuing their prolific recent goalscoring run in an entertaining and hard-fought contest.
After some early sparring between the two sides, it was the hosts who struck first inside four minutes.
A slick move involving Reece Mutebi and Chinonso Emekekwue saw Joe Brown win possession on the halfway line and surge down the right flank. Brown slipped the ball into Sam Aldridge, who turned smartly and laid it back to Mutebi on the edge of the area. Driving past two opponents, Mutebi threaded a precise pass into Emekekwue, whose sublime first touch took both centre-backs out of the game before calmly slotting into the bottom corner.
Just minutes later, Spencers doubled their lead. Mutebi again played Aldridge into space before the ball was worked into Emekekwue, who held off his marker superbly and played a first-time pass back into Mutebi. Driving forward from the halfway line, Mutebi saw his initial effort saved, but Aldridge was quickest to react, pouncing on the rebound to make it 2–0.
The home side were playing with real tempo and confidence, and the third goal arrived on 22 minutes. Excellent combination play down the right saw Aldridge, Emekekwue and Cam Dunbar form neat triangles before Dunbar fired a low cross towards the penalty spot. Isaac Carter showed great composure, controlling with one touch and finishing with the next into the bottom corner.
Welford responded and pulled a goal back when a cross into the box was met by their powerful striker, who headed over Avwerosuo Emekeme as the goalkeeper came to claim.
However, Spencers quickly restored their three-goal cushion. A perfectly delivered Aldridge corner found Barrett Akpotor advancing at the back post, and the centre-back struck a sensational first-time left-footed half-volley into the top corner.
The visitors again capitalised on an error in the area to reduce the deficit before half-time, but Spencers remained in control. Their game management improved further after the break, with the hosts creating chances and dictating possession.
Just past the hour mark, Harborough made it 5–2. A well-worked move involving Emekekwue and Mutebi saw Aldridge deliver an inviting ball into the box. Emekekwue’s first touch took defenders — and himself — out of the equation as he slipped, but Mutebi was perfectly placed to smash the loose ball past the goalkeeper.
The scoring was completed with the final kick of the game. A clipped ball down the channel from Ben Brown released Mutebi, who won a penalty under pressure. Showing confidence and composure, Mutebi picked himself up and converted from the spot to round off an impressive individual display.
There were a number of standout performances, with Mutebi and Emekekwue particularly influential throughout. However, Man of the Match honours went to Barrett Akpotor, who delivered a commanding performance at both ends of the pitch. Another welcome positive was the return from injury of influential midfielder Harry Naylor, adding further strength to an already impressive Spencers side.
A convincing derby win and another statement attacking display as Spencers continue to build momentum.