Pitching In Southern League Premier Central
Saturday 18th April 2026
Harborough Town 1-1 Bishop’s Stortford
Stephens (16′); Norris (56′)
Attendance – 1,325
Man of the Match – Elliott Taylor
Report – Ben Monti
Photo – RB Media
The sun shone down on the Beehive as Harborough Town were crowned Champions after drawing 1-1 with Bishop’s Stortford, having already sealed the title last weekend away at Halesowen.
The Bees came out to a guard of honour as 1,325 fans showed up for the celebrations. A carnival atmosphere ensued, with Mitch Austin handing rare starts to Paul Malone and club captain Ben Williams.
In a game that lacked jeopardy, neither side were able to find their highest gear; however, the visitors showed glimpses of intent, with Obi Onyeagwara proving to be their most threatening outlet. The forward attempted a one-two with Jack Smith inside the Harborough box before squaring to Charlie Johnson, who failed to apply the finish. Ten minutes later, Onyeagwara tested Elliot Taylor with a long-range effort.
At the other end, Ben Stephens had a couple of early half-chances, but it was on 16 minutes when the striker put his side in front with a wonderful free-kick, which floated over the wall before ricocheting off the underside of the crossbar and over the line. Top goal scorer Riley O’Sullivan drilled a couple of efforts low and hard, forcing Adam Hayton to palm behind for corners.
Shortly before the break, the Bees almost doubled their lead when Eliot Putman’s half-volley flew through the crowd, bouncing back off the upright. A minute later, the full-back kept Harborough in front, clearing off the line from a Cole Dasilva strike that looked certain to bundle into the back of the net.
The second half continued in a similar exhibition-like fashion. Much of the second half’s entertainment came from stand-in stadium announcer Dempsey Arlott-John and his inventive nicknames for his teammates as he announced the substitutions. Should the winger choose to hang up his boots, a second career perhaps awaits. A chorus of laughs and multiple thumbs up from the Harborough bench as the changes in personnel took place echoed the light-hearted feel of the day.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Dasilva received the ball out wide on the right, fizzing a dangerous delivery into the area for Frank Norris to react quickest and poke home the equaliser. The Blues had the best chances to clinch a winner, with Bradley Russell’s clean strike cannoning off the crossbar and Norris coming agonisingly close, only to be denied by a fantastic outstretched save from Taylor.
On an occasion where, let’s face it, few results, if any, would have dampened the celebrations, the Beehive erupted as referee David Constable put his whistle to his lips and blew for full time, with the contest finishing 1-1.
Everyone associated with the club, from the players, staff and officials to the volunteers and the loyal fans, rejoiced in unison as the magnitude of the achievement began to sink in. Three promotions in five years is a feat few have accomplished, and one this special club should be extremely proud of. This was evident as many shed a tear or two as the presentations took place.
Congratulations to every single player who laced their boots this season and crossed that white line donning the yellow shirt, as well as to Mitch and his staff. A special shoutout to all the individual award winners, especially the Supporters’ Player of the Season, Elliot Taylor, who has been an impenetrable wall between the sticks for the majority of the campaign, pulling off outrageously skilful and pivotal saves, along with a few penalty stops along the way.
The Bees head to Stamford next Saturday to close out the season in what promises to be a continuation of the celebrations, which I have a feeling will carry on long into the summer. The next time Harborough Town play a league game at the Beehive will be in next season’s inaugural campaign in the National League North. Yes, that’s right. National League North. One more time for those at the back.. National League North!