Pitching In Southern League Premier Central
Monday 6th April 2026
Harborough Town 5-1 Banbury United
Morris (28’), McAuley (40’), Pennant (59’), Stephens (86’), Newton (89’); Stokoe (25′)
Attendance – 1,052
Report – Chris Lander
Photo – RB Media
Harborough Town end the Easter weekend with a five-star performance as they see off Banbury United, coming from behind to score five.
The opening minutes was a precursor to a frantic first-half from both sides, with Bees’ Ryan McLean whipping in right-wing cross after right wing cross which Riley O’Sullivan, Terell Pennant and Rob Morgan were close to converting as the Bees looked to exert their early dominance.
The visitors however were certainly playing their part as #9 and #7 were combining at every opportunity down the Banbury left. Bees shot-stopper Elliott Taylor had a half to remember repelling a number of early shots from Banbury’s Connor Ferguson, Keegan Bloom and Luke Stokoe, although midway through the first-half it was Stokoe who found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a venomous shot that flew into the net clipping the underside of the bar giving Taylor little chance.
The Puritans lead lasted just a few minutes as Bees tricky winger Terell Pennant was fouled high on the left; and from the resulting curled free-kick by Devon Kelly-Evans towering central defender Alex Morris held off two players to guide the ball past Jack Harding in the Banbury United goal.
As the half wore on both teams traded blows without creating a clear opportunity, that was until fullback George Carline combined with fellow fullback Josh Walsh down the left, with Walsh delivering a pinpoint cross for centre-back Rory McAuley to emphatically head home giving the Bees a half-time 2-1 lead; and for Rory that’s two-in-two after he also netted in Easter Monday’s victory away at St. Ives Town.
Manager Mitch Austin kept the fire burning in his team as the Bees’ came out for the second half with attacking fervour with Ryan McLean again causing trouble down the Banbury United left and seeing a number of goal opportunities not quite come to fruition, although hearing a crowd of over one thousand hold their collective breaths as Ryan danced his way into the box evading one challenge, checked inside, danced another challenge whilst then trying to evade the advancing keeper but he could just not get a clear sight of goal, however he found Terrell Pennant who saw his shot blocked.
The Bees continued to turn the screw looking for a third and as the hour mark approached it was Terell Pennant who reacted sharpest to a George Carline long throw into the box that was allowed to bounce, and there was TP to meet the ball and guide it over the line.
With the third goal secured, the visitors rarely troubled and the Bees made four attacking changes with Ben Stephens, Danny Newton and Paul Malone taking up the offensive roles with Brady Hickey sitting in behind, and all were involved keeping the pressure on as Newton in particularly was unlucky on a couple of occasions as the Banbury defence looked terrified at the marauding viking-esque Newton.
As the second half was coming to a close, Carline side-footed a volley into the box which McAuley controlled before rolling back to Ben Stephens who rifled the ball home, and there was still time for Paul Malone to flick-on for Newton, who shrugged off his marker and calmly slotted left-footed under the advancing Banbury keeper to make it five!
After the final whistle Mitch Austin addressed the home faithful, thanking them for their continued support and reminding them how important they have been as crowds have steadily swelled as the season has progressed. The players along with Mitch and his management team are looking forward to a bumper travelling support this coming Saturday as the Bees eye the title, being seven points clear of second place with only nine points available.
Keep across our Harborough Town social media channels this week as we head to a potentially history-making trip to the West Midlands! #UpTheBees