Pitching In Southern League Premier Central
Saturday 19th October 2025
Harborough Town 1-0 Bromsgrove Sporting
O’Sullivan (66′)
Player of the Match – Riley O’Sullivan
Attendance – 732
Report – Ben Monti
Photo – RB Media
Harborough Town, after a month of cup fixtures, returned to league action, earning a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bromsgrove Sporting at the Beehive to stay ahead of the chasing pack at the top of the table.
Substitute Riley O’Sullivan proved the difference, coming off the bench to smash home the decisive goal before his eventful afternoon ended prematurely with a controversial red card.
A home crowd, bolstered by 100 travelling Spanish Bees from La Media Inglesa, created a unique atmosphere. Their constant chanting, enthusiasm, and relentless support gave the afternoon a real buzz, highlighting the growing bond between the club and its overseas fanbase.
After their FA Cup heroics against Altrincham, Harborough began slowly. “It looked like we had a hangover from Tuesday,” admitted Mitch Austin. The slow tempo, a result of tired legs and mental fatigue. Nonetheless, Ben Stephens tested Adam Harrison early on with a low effort after finding space on the edge of the box, and Dempsey Arlott-John pinged a couple of crosses into the area.
At the other end, Gustavo Macedo Sanches looked to be Bromsgrove’s deadliest outlet, carrying the ball well and asking questions of the Harborough back line.
Charlie Pavey’s effort midway through the first half forced a fine save from Elliot Taylor, who reacted sharply to palm away. The Rouslers matched the Bees for territory and possession, but Harborough were organised and disciplined, with Liam Dolman and Alex Morris solid at the back and Connor Kennedy and Devon Kelly-Evans working tirelessly in midfield.
An uneventful game cried out for a moment of magic as the second half continued in the same fashion as the first. Assistant manager David Staff, under the instruction of Austin, introduced Danny Newton and Jutorre Burgess before replacing Ben Stephens with O’Sullivan on 65 minutes.
A minute after coming on, a ball was played into the box towards O’Sullivan, who controlled it superbly with his back to goal, produced two deft touches to evade the defenders, and spun to rifle a stunning strike into the net. “What a goal,” said Austin. “Absolutely class from Riley O’Sullivan.” Moments later, the forward almost doubled his tally, linking neatly with Newton and firing into the side netting.
The game’s main talking point came ten minutes from time. O’Sullivan, despite going down after what looked like a clear trip, was booked for simulation, and then shown a second yellow for dissent. “That is not a sending off,” Austin said. “I’ve never seen anyone get penalised for having their boot stamped on.”
Ten men Harborough saw out the remaining minutes with composure. Bromsgrove pushed men forward but never really capitalised on the extra man, with Jordan Lyden slicing wide late on and Luke Softley heading over in stoppage time.
“The important thing was to get the three points,” said Austin. “It’s a sign of a good team not to play well and still win.”
Harborough return to the Beehive on Tuesday night to host mid-table Stratford Town, aiming to remain top of the Southern League – Premier Central table.