Leicestershire County Football League
Turner Insurance Services Premiership
Saturday 10th January 2026
Harborough Town Spencers (5) – (4) Rogue Elite
Player of the Match – Sam Aldridge
Report – Tony Sansome
Two in-form sides met at the Beehive in an entertaining, high-quality encounter that delivered nine goals and plenty of drama, as Harborough Town Spencers edged out Rogue Elite in a pulsating contest.
Spencers came into the game in prolific scoring form, while their Hinckley-based opponents arrived unbeaten in the league since early September. It was Rogue Elite who struck first, opening the scoring on six minutes when a ball worked through a crowded penalty area saw goalkeeper Avwerosuo Emekeme dive over the ball, allowing it to sneak into the net.
The response was immediate. Just a minute later, Spencers were level when Joe Brown’s initial effort was blocked, but Hubert Witkowski reacted quickest to finish expertly and restore parity. The visitors, however, quickly regained the lead when a dangerous cross evaded everyone and found its way into the top corner.
Spencers gradually grew into the game, beginning to assert themselves without carving out too many clear chances. Their persistence was rewarded right on the stroke of half-time when George Tong slipped a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Sam Aldridge. The forward showed great composure, drawing the goalkeeper before rounding him to make it 2–2 at the break.
The half-time message demanded more intensity, and the response was instant. Seconds after the restart, Witkowski burst clear and saw his effort saved, as was the follow-up from Reece Mutebi, but third time proved the charm as Aldridge reacted quickest to fire Spencers into the lead. The advantage was short-lived, however, with Rogue Elite levelling again just a minute later with a fine strike from the edge of the area.
The game remained breathless, with Aldridge and Witkowski causing constant problems through their pace and direct running. On 62 minutes, one such run saw Aldridge commit his marker before delivering an inch-perfect pass for Chinonso Emekekwue to nod home and make it 4–3. Barely a minute later, Spencers had daylight, as Emekekwue turned provider and Mutebi lobbed the goalkeeper to extend the lead to 5–3.
Spencers looked comfortable for the next 20 minutes, but the contest wasn’t over yet. A powerfully driven shot beat Emekeme to set up a tense finale, leaving the hosts to defend their lead for the final six minutes. They did so against a dangerous opponent, surviving a few late scares, including a moment of brave goalkeeping from Emekeme.
There were several strong performances across the side, with Max Aldridge, Joe Brown and Witkowski all impressing, but Man of the Match went to Sam Aldridge, who continued his fine form and now leads the scoring charts with nine goals.
Spencers have now scored 30 goals in their last five matches, but tougher tests lie ahead as they prepare for two local derbies against Welford Victoria, starting next week at home.