GCE Hire Fleet United Counties Football League
Reserve Division
Saturday 21st March 2026
Harborough Town Under 21’s (5) – (2) Kempston Rovers Reserves
Report – Josh Unsworth
Harborough Town U21s produced a strong second-half display to overcome Kempston Rovers Reserves 5–2 at the Beehive. Goals from Lovell Edwards, Archie O’Donnell and a brace from Coen Hughes turned the game around, before a late cameo goal from Head Coach Josh Unsworth capped off an impressive win.
The Young Bees faced a tough home test and found it difficult to break them down during a challenging opening half.
The game was played at a relatively slow pace in the early stages, which suited the visitors and disrupted Harborough’s usual rhythm. Despite enjoying spells of possession, the Young Bees struggled to find that cutting edge in the final third, with Kempston remaining organised and compact throughout.
As the half progressed, chances remained limited, and it was the visitors who capitalised just before the break. Following some sloppy defending, Kempston were awarded a penalty, which they converted to take a 1–0 lead into half-time.
The second half was a completely different story, with the Young Bees coming out with far greater energy, intent and quality.
A brilliant pass from Coen Hughes unlocked the Kempston defence, finding Lovell Edwards who showed great composure to slot the ball home and bring the tie level. The equaliser lifted the tempo of Harborough’s play, and they began to take control of the game.
Shortly after, a Cyprian Mtenga corner caused problems in the box and was met by Coen Hughes, who rose well to head home and give the Young Bees the lead, making it two goals in two games for the defender.
Momentum was firmly with Harborough, and skipper Archie O’Donnell soon got in on the act. A driven cross from Lovell Edwards was met at the back post by O’Donnell, who finished coolly to extend the advantage.
Harborough continued to press and were rewarded again when Coen Hughes found the back of the net for the second time in the game. After a scramble in the box, the ball fell kindly to him and he tapped home to make it 4–1 to the Bees.
Kempston showed resilience and fought back, winning another penalty which they converted with eight minutes remaining to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
However, the Young Bees quickly regained control, and there was still time for one final moment of celebration. Head Coach Josh Unsworth turned into player, coming on with five minutes to go, and just two minutes later he popped up with a goal, sparking jubilation among the players and supporters alike.
After the match, U21 Head Coach Josh Unsworth said:
“The lads wanted a cameo from me, which I promised I would when the time was right, to come on and score — I had to show them how it was done!
Now I’m back in retirement as the U18 lads will be back next week. Four more points to win the league, the lads will be hungry for that.”