Captain Hoey Sends Under 21's into the Last 16

Cyprian Mtenga unlocked the Ingles defence with a superb pass to find Lovell Edwards, who squared the ball perfectly for Chulu Johnson. Presented with the opportunity from close range, Johnson made no mistake to put Harborough ahead.

Despite the early goal, the opening half-hour was otherwise a relatively cagey affair. The Young Bees worked their way into dangerous positions in the wide areas but struggled to turn those promising openings into further clear-cut opportunities.

Ingles drew level five minutes before the interval, taking advantage of a set piece. Harborough were unable to deal effectively with the initial delivery, allowing an attacker to capitalise and tap home.

The equaliser meant the Young Bees went into the break with their early advantage cancelled out and the tie finely balanced.

Half-Time: Ingles 1–1 Harborough Town U21's

SECOND HALF
Harborough could hardly have asked for a better start after the interval, restoring their lead in the 46th minute through Zak Gillespie’s tireless pressing.

Straight from kick-off, Ingles played the ball back to their goalkeeper, but Gillespie was quick to close him down. His determination was rewarded when the goalkeeper’s attempted clearance struck him and rolled into the empty net, putting the Young Bees back in front.

With their advantage restored, Harborough added a third in the 55th minute following another excellent attacking move.

Jarred Rawlins produced some brilliant work out wide before finding Johnson, whose dangerous delivery was turned into the net by an unfortunate Ingles defender. The own goal gave the Young Bees a two-goal cushion and strengthened their position in the tie.

However, the hosts found a route back into the contest ten minutes later. Against the run of play, another set piece brought Ingles their second goal, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense final 25 minutes.

The home side then completed their comeback in the 73rd minute, with another set-piece delivery causing problems in the Harborough penalty area.

Rawlins did brilliantly to defend at the back post, but the ball was headed back across goal, allowing an Ingles attacker to tap home and make it 3–3.

Having seen their two-goal lead disappear, the Young Bees faced a significant test of character. The momentum had shifted, and Harborough needed to respond to keep their hopes of progression alive.

They did so in unforgettable fashion.

In the third minute of stoppage time, Harborough won a set piece of their own, providing one final opportunity to find a decisive goal.

Riley Simpson delivered an inch-perfect cross into the penalty area, where skipper Hoey met it with a magnificent diving header, directing the ball into the bottom corner.

The goal sparked scenes of absolute euphoria as the Young Bees snatched victory in the dying moments.

Full-Time: Ingles 3–4 Harborough Town U21's

Having been pegged back twice during the evening, Harborough had found the decisive response to book their place in the last 16.

Reflecting on a dramatic evening of Cup action, Head Coach Josh Unsworth said:
“I loved our reaction from Saturday. We came across against a really awkward team who tested us physically but so pleased the lads got the win they deserved tonight.”

SQUAD
Alex Fisher, Jarred Rawlins, Charlie King (Riley Simpson 60’), Thomas Hoey, James Flint, Leighton McWilliams (Shaan Virk 75’), Cyprian Mtenga (Rian Verghese 82’), Bakari Furbert (Archie Woolmer 55’), Lovell Edwards, Zak Gillespie, Chulu Johnson (Ollie Price 75’).