Northants Combination League
Premier Division
Saturday 17th October 2026
Milton FC Firsts (1) – (3) Harborough Town Under 21’s
Report – Jonathan Hulls
Photo – Andy Murdock Photography
Harborough Town Under 21’s: Alexander Fisher, Jarred Rawlins, Charlie King (Oliver Price 54’), Tom Hoey, James Flint (Martin Tsvetkov 45’), Cyprian Mtenga, Bakari Furbert (Riley Simpson 73’), Leighton McWilliams (Archie Woolmer 54’), Lovell Edwards, Zak Gillespie, Chulu Johnson (Rian Verghese 73’).
The Young Bees demonstrated their character and quality as they recovered from a difficult first half to secure an impressive 3-1 victory away at Milton FC, overturning a one-goal deficit with three second-half goals.
Despite starting positively, Harborough found themselves trailing at the interval after a spectacular strike from the hosts. However, a much-improved second-half display saw Lovell Edwards restore parity before Zak Gillespie and Oliver Price completed the turnaround to secure another three points for Josh Unsworth’s side.
Playing on a difficult surface, the Young Bees had to show patience and determination to overcome a challenging afternoon and continue their impressive form.
First Half
Harborough began the contest on the front foot, looking to establish themselves early and take control of proceedings.
However, despite their positive opening, it was the hosts who struck first in the 18th minute, taking the lead against the run of play.
Following a Milton free kick, the Young Bees were unable to clear their lines, allowing a home player to unleash a stunning strike that flew beyond goalkeeper Alexander Fisher.
It was a moment of individual brilliance that gave Milton the advantage and left Harborough with work to do.
The setback disrupted the Young Bees’ early momentum, and despite their efforts to respond, they struggled to find the rhythm and quality that have been such prominent features of their performances this season.
The difficult playing surface provided an additional challenge, with Harborough unable to consistently impose themselves on the contest or produce the level of football they have become accustomed to.
As the first half progressed, the visitors continued to search for a way back into the game but were unable to find the breakthrough required before the interval.
It was a frustrating opening 45 minutes for Unsworth’s side, who headed into the dressing room knowing that a significant improvement would be needed if they were to turn the contest around.
Half Time: Milton FC 1-0 Harborough Town U21’s
The Young Bees emerged for the second half with renewed determination, looking to put the frustrations of the opening period behind them and work their way back into the contest.
With greater patience and composure in their play, Harborough began to build confidence and apply increasing pressure on the Milton defence.
Their improved approach was rewarded in the 56th minute as they found the equaliser that would prove to be the turning point in the afternoon.
⚽ 56′ | Milton FC 1-1 Harborough Town U21’s – Lovell Edwards
Captain Tom Hoey delivered a clever ball over the top of the Milton defence, creating uncertainty for the onrushing goalkeeper.
Lovell Edwards reacted quickest, showing excellent determination to follow the ball in and capitalise on the goalkeeper’s mistake.
With the opportunity presenting itself, Edwards made no mistake from close range, tapping home to restore parity and bring the Young Bees back on level terms.
The equaliser provided a significant boost for Harborough, who continued to grow in confidence as the momentum shifted firmly in their favour.
Just seven minutes later, the visitors completed the turnaround.
⚽ 63′ | Milton FC 1-2 Harborough Town U21’s – Zak Gillespie
Chulu Johnson was involved in the build-up, finding the overlapping Jarred Rawlins as Harborough worked the ball into a dangerous position.
Rawlins produced an excellent cross into the penalty area, where Zak Gillespie rose to meet the delivery.
The Harborough forward connected powerfully with his header, directing the ball home to complete the comeback and give the Young Bees the lead for the first time in the contest.
Having trailed at the interval, Harborough had now scored twice in the space of seven minutes, with their improved second-half performance beginning to produce the rewards it deserved.
The Young Bees continued to press forward, showing the confidence and attacking intent that had been missing during the opening 45 minutes.
Their dominance was rewarded once again in the 70th minute, with a third goal that demonstrated the effectiveness of their aggressive pressing.
⚽ 70′ | Milton FC 1-3 Harborough Town U21’s – Oliver Price
Cyprian Mtenga and Jarred Rawlins combined brilliantly to regain possession high up the pitch, applying an aggressive counter-press that prevented Milton from playing their way out of danger.
Having won the ball back, Mtenga delivered a clever, driven cross into the penalty area, picking out Oliver Price.
The substitute rose to meet the delivery and guided his header home, extending Harborough’s advantage to two goals and putting the result beyond doubt.
It was another well-worked goal that highlighted the Young Bees’ improved intensity and decision-making after the break.
Having overturned the deficit with three goals in just fourteen minutes, Harborough had firmly taken control of proceedings.
The visitors’ second-half performance was a marked improvement on their opening 45 minutes, with greater composure in possession, more effective decision-making and a determination to impose themselves on the contest.
Despite the challenges presented by the playing surface and their first-half frustrations, the Young Bees demonstrated the character required to respond positively and turn the game in their favour.
The final whistle confirmed a deserved 3-1 victory for Harborough, who recovered from a difficult opening period to secure another valuable three points on the road.
It was a performance that once again demonstrated the resilience within Josh Unsworth’s squad, with the Young Bees showing their ability to overcome adversity and find a way to win.
Head Coach Josh Unsworth said:
“Our decision making in the first half was the worse it’s been since I can remember. But the character my boys shown in the second half, to compose themselves, remain patient and build confidence, I was really impressed with and we deserved the three points in the end.”