Taking Stock: A Mid-Season Review

Author | Ben Monti
Photos | RB Media, Frame the Game Media & La Media Inglesa

As we hit the half-way point of the season, Bees Match Report Writer Ben Monti takes a moment to reflect back on the first half of the 2025-26 Season and look forward to what the rest of the season might have in-store 🐝

The festive season, and more specifically the turn of the year, is a time when most take the opportunity not only to look forward to what lies ahead, but also to reflect, look back, and take stock of everything that has gone well, everything we are proud of, and the lessons that can be learned along the way.

With Harborough Town fresh off a derby-day win against Kettering Town and having played exactly half of their league fixtures, it feels like the ideal moment to review an enthralling Bees season so far. Only five months ago, the players were enjoying the Iberian sun during their summer tour of Spain; now, they find themselves firmly in a title race, backed by an ever-growing fan base.

PERFORMANCES ON THE PITCH
Sitting just behind table-topping Spalding United heading into the New Year, the Bees remain firmly in the promotion picture, with three vital games in hand still to play. The top two are pulling clear of the chasing pack, with seven points currently separating Harborough and Quorn in third. As is often the case in a title race, there is a healthy sense of caution around the club and with only one automatic promotion place available in a league where anyone can beat anyone on their day, nothing is being taken for granted

That said, there is a quiet sense of optimism among the Harborough faithful, fuelled in no small part by the resilience and consistency shown so far. Fan favourites from last season have raised their levels, while new additions have brought both quality and valuable experience. Having suffered just one league defeat all season and claimed victories over higher league opposition, there is a growing belief that Harborough’s position has been fully earned.

That belief formed early on after a 1-0 win on August Bank Holiday Monday away at rivals Kettering in front of over 2000 supporters.  The ever-increasing backing from the stands, particularly from the loyal travelling support, has played an essential role in that journey. This was no more evident than away at Altrincham in the cup when they virtually sucked the ball into the goal in the dying moments to help claim a historic draw.

The Bees have lost only twice in 90 minutes across all competitions this season and, up until recently, had completed a monumental feat, going 12 months without defeat on the road. The Beehive has also proven to be a fortress, with seven wins and four draws in the Southern League Premier Central. The only league defeat came as a surprise, away at struggling Stourbridge, in a 2-1 loss.

In games where Harborough have not been at their best, they have still found ways to grind out results through a combination of sheer determination and tactical nous, highlighting a never-say-die attitude. That resilience has been underlined by a remarkable ten goals scored after the 90-minute mark this season, two of which have proved to be vital match-winners. One moment that stands out was Luis Rose’s 96th-minute winner against Quorn on a Tuesday night back in September that sent those in yellow into raptures.

THE BEES SQUAD
As the old saying goes, attacks win you games, defences win you titles. That could indeed be said of Harborough Town this season; however, it could also be argued that defences win you games, not only through compact, resolute defending that has contributed to 15 clean sheets, but also through 11 goals scored by defenders during the campaign.

Elliot Taylor, between the sticks, has been in the form of his career, assisted by a consistent back four of Eliot Putman / Josh Walsh, Alex Morris, Liam Dolman and George Carline, a defensive unit littered with quality, leaders and experience. Organisation, trust and constant communication have provided the Bees with the backbone of their progress.

That said, when others have been called upon to fill in at the back, whether Connor Kennedy, James Taylor or, most recently, Rory McAuley, they have slotted in seamlessly, suggesting a structure that goes beyond individuals. When your defenders are chipping in at both ends, it becomes a powerful platform for winning tight games. This defensive solidity was epitomised by a professional, disciplined display winning 1-0 away at high-scoring Quorn in mid-November.

Moving up the pitch, the midfield has been a vital cog in this well-oiled machine. The tireless, commanding duo of Connor Kennedy and new addition Devon Kelly-Evans have proved pivotal in controlling games and dictating tempo. The pair cover every blade of grass, leaving every ounce of themselves on the pitch, and it has not gone unnoticed by a fanbase that has bought into their work ethic and leadership.

Sitting in front of an already resolute back four, the more commonly known CK and DKE sweep up rare loose balls, make key interceptions, and provide the ideal transitional outlet moving forward, spraying the ball around with ease and driving Harborough up the pitch with purpose. It is often Kennedy who sets the tone, leading by example and maintaining the high standards.

Mitch Austin and his backroom staff deserve immense credit, as the spine of the team rarely falters regardless of whether Josh Walsh, Brady Hickey or Rob Morgan are asked to step into the midfield pivot. Walshy has been a real unsung hero this season, consistently delivering 7 out of 10 performances, Hickey contributing with 7 goals in all competitions and Morgan’s composure and experience bring a calming influence when control is required.

If there is one area of the pitch where further improvement could yet be found, it is in the attacking output of the forward line. That said, Harborough’s threat going forward has very much been built on collective contribution rather than reliance on one individual.

Dempsey Arlott-John has been devastating down the right flank, causing havoc for left-backs up and down the league. Should the tricky winger add more goals to his game in the second half of the campaign, he would be a strong contender to be considered among the league’s very best wide players. On the opposite flank, Riley O’Sullivan has led the way with nine goals and remains the Bees’ top scorer. His movement, work rate and ability to deliver in key moments have made him a constant outlet rather than a traditional talisman.

With several players occupying the number nine role throughout the season, no single forward has yet to nail down the position. However, recent loanee David Kamara has begun to find his shooting boots and looks well placed to lead the line as the campaign enters the business end. While the absence of a clear-cut goal-scoring talisman could be viewed as a weakness, the spread of goals across the side tells another story. Sixteen different players have already found the net this season, with goals coming from all over the pitch, further indicating the outstanding contribution made by all and the togetherness of this side.

UP FOR THE CUP
If someone were to ask what makes Harborough Town special, the answer would undoubtedly be the team’s character and their never-say-die attitude. The mentality shown throughout the season has been a defining feature of the side. A club that was playing United Counties League football just four years ago is now consistently going toe-to-toe with National League opposition, refusing to be overawed by the occasion or the challenge.

There has been no shortage of moments that showcase that mentality, none less than the emphatic cup victories over higher-level sides Peterborough Sports and Enfield Town, dispatched 4-1 and 3-0 respectively. Few afternoons will live longer in the memory than the heroic comeback at home to Worksop Town, when the Bees recovered from two goals down to snatch victory in dramatic fashion.

The same courage was evident away at National League side Altrincham, where Harborough overturned a two-goal deficit, scoring a last-gasp equaliser to force a replay. Reduced to ten men from the fifth minute of that replay, the Bees still pushed their opponents all the way to extra time in a performance that epitomised resilience and collective spirit. It is this character that resonates so strongly with the Harborough faithful, endearing those who pull on the yellow shirt to the fanbase.

That mentality carried the club to a historic FA Trophy third round appearance, before bowing out narrowly to Mark Hughes’s Carlisle United. Moreover, the Altrincham result meant the Bees fell just shy of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup for second successive seasons.

NEW SEASON.. NEW FACES
An instrumental aspect of Harborough’s promotion charge has been the successful integration of new faces into the squad.

Defenders Eliot Putman and George Carline have added quality and balance to the back line, operating either side of the blossoming centre-half partnership of Alex Morris and Liam Dolman. Together, they form part of the league’s most effective defence, with just 14 goals conceded, 15 fewer than current leaders Spalding United and 22 fewer than Quorn in third.

Further forward, former Coventry City youth player Devon Kelly-Evans has made an immediate impact, collecting multiple Man of the Match awards and quickly establishing himself as the engine of the side. His energy and control in midfield have raised the level around him.

After a decade at Barwell, Brady Hickey arrived at the Beehive and has added another dimension to the attack, contributing vital goals from attacking midfield and is currently the joint-second highest scorer with seven goals to his name.  Beyond individual contributions, what has stood out most is how seamlessly the new signings have settled into the group. From the stands, they look as though they have been part of the setup for years. A further reflection of the great work being carried out by Mitch and his team, fostering a culture of cohesion and unity.

PERFORMING OFF THE PITCH
Not only are Harborough Town enjoying one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history on the pitch, but the club’s presence off it continues to grow in strength and visibility. Exciting cup runs have undoubtedly played their part, as has the developing relationship with Spanish media outlet La Media Inglesa, whose die-hard followers travelled in numbers to the Beehive to witness the 1-0 victory over Bromsgrove Sporting back in October, making for a unique matchday experience and highlighting the transcendence of football among nationalities and languages.

However, much of the credit must go to Andy Sparrow, whose expanded role at the club has seen one half of your Bees Radio Commentary Team take the reins of the media operation. Over the summer, Andy assembled a dedicated team that has helped transform the club’s output across digital platforms, building upon the fantastic foundations that have been laid previously by Chris and Jayne Lander.

The quality of content produced now rivals that of many Football League clubs. The engagement figures being achieved are mind blowing, and that growing presence has translated directly into increased support inside the ground. Attendance continues to rise, and the atmosphere at the Beehive has taken on a new energy, and there is a tangible sense of community forming around the club. Supporters are not just spectators; they are part of the club. The work being carried out behind the scenes is a monumental part of Harborough Town’s upward trajectory.

THE GAFFER
Returning to the pitch, a mid-season review would not be complete without reflecting on the importance of the man at the helm of this project. When Mitch Austin joined the club in the UCL, few would have predicted that Harborough Town would now be halfway through a campaign pushing for a third promotion in five years, though perhaps the man himself always believed it was possible.

In an industry where managers are often treated as disposable, Austin and Harborough Town stand as a powerful example of what continuity, trust and alignment can achieve. Over several seasons, a clear identity has been built, of high standards, togetherness and a shared sense of purpose.

Never shy to engage the supporters, Mitch has helped bridge the gap between the fans and the club. He is invariably the first to acknowledge their backing, thanking them after every game and reinforcing the connection between the stands and the pitch.The banners, the chants and the noise around the Beehive speaks volumes. He is not just respected, but genuinely adored. That relationship extends into the dressing room. The players give everything for their manager, playing with joy, pride and commitment, a reflection of Austin’s man-management and leadership.

WHAT LIES AHEAD?
With 21 games left to play, there is still so much work to be done. The Harborough board, Mitch and his staff, along with Andy and his team, will continue to give their all to build on the strong foundations laid in the first half of the season.The Bees sit in a fantastic position; however, things have a habit of changing quickly in football, and nothing will be taken for granted.

For those who have supported the club so far, thank you, your backing does not go unnoticed, and Harborough’s twelfth man will be needed throughout the remainder of the campaign. For those considering getting involved, there is no better time to be part of a special project at a club on an exhilarating trajectory.