Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 14th September, 2024.
Harborough Town 4 (O’Sullivan 5, Kennedy 18, Williams 38, Rose 49)
Stourbridge 2 (Freemantle 2 (32, 90+1))
A relentless Harborough side dominated proceedings.
Connor Kennedy supplied a clipped cross for Riley O’Sullivan to nod past Tyrese Warmington in the visitors goal on 5 minutes, before roles were reversed with O’Sullivan having all the time to pick out Kennedy in the centre of the box who guided a low shot into the far corner. The Bees fashioned a number of other chances during the half with Ryan Inman, Ben Starkie and the ever-willing runner Luis Rose forcing Warmington into saves; however the visitors pulled a goal back as the Harborough midfield dithered over clearing a ball and Ethan Freemantle held off the challenge of Harborough captain Ben Williams to angle a shot past Taylor. The hosts extended their lead shortly before half-time as Williams fired high into the net as the visitors failed to manage Harborough’s crosses.
The tie was effectively over early in the second half as Luis Rose chested the ball down and fired a volley from 22 yards that nestled into the bottom corner which gave Warmington no chance. The visitors were reduced to ten men as Grewal-Pollard received a second yellow and despite the visitors pulling a consolation goal back in injury time, the result was never in doubt and The Bees thoroughly deserve their place in Monday’s Third Round Qualifying draw – the furthest the club has been in the competition!
MOTM: Riley O’Sullivan (HTFC)
Report: Christopher Lander