Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Replay
Tuesday 15th October 2025
Harborough Town 0-3 Altrincham (AET)
Jimmy Knowles (98’, 110’), Sam Reed (107’)
Attendance – 1813
Report – Ben Monti
Photo – RB Media
Harborough Town’s FA Cup journey comes to an end after a valiant display at home to National League side Altrincham, having played virtually the entire match with ten men in front of a club record attendance of 1,813. The Bees, courageous and spirited, kept the scores level for almost 100 minutes before tired legs finally took their toll in extra time.
The defining moment of the evening came after seven minutes, completely changing the complexion of the game. Riley O’Sullivan, chasing down a long clearance from keeper Elliot Taylor, collided with the Robins’ shot-stopper, Louis Fallon, in a 50-50 challenge. O’Sullivan, eager to get on the end of the long ball, caught Fallon in the chest with a high boot; however, it was clear there was no malice in the mistimed challenge. After some deliberation with his assistant, the referee reached for a straight red, only amplifying the already colossal task ahead for Harborough.
The players kept their heads, and the ten men dug in. Devon Kelly-Evans and Connor Kennedy dove into tackles and broke up play as Altrincham began to dominate possession. Taylor pulled off a magnificent double save from Jimmy Knowles and Tylor Golden, colliding with the post in the process. At the other end, the dynamic Dempsey-Arlott John remained a constant outlet on the counter.
The Robins controlled large spells, with Kahrel Reddin and Jimmy Knowles causing havoc down the flanks, as they did in the first game. The best chance of the half came from an Elliot Osborne corner, with Lewis Banks at the back post, scooping over an empty net. Harborough’s defensive line, marshalled by Liam Dolman and Alex Morris, stood tall, blocking, clearing, and frustrating the travelling support.
After the break, the Bees, despite being pinned back, had a couple of exciting moments of their own. Arlott-John lifted the crowd, gliding past defenders with a dazzling solo run. Kelly-Evans and Danny Newton both drove the Bees forward, while Kennedy’s relentless pressing epitomised the work rate that defined the night.
Altrincham, for all their possession, were kept at bay by a resilient and organised Harborough. Taylor again superbly tipped away after a lashed effort from Golden found its way through the crowded area.
As the tie entered extra time, the numerical disadvantage began to tell. Reddin’s quick feet created space on the right, his cut-back finding Knowles to stab home from close range, finally breaking the deadlock for Altrincham. Two further strikes from Sam Reed and Knowles followed as fatigue finally took hold. Ten minutes after finding the breakthrough, Reed doubled the lead, striking from the left. As Harborough pushed forward, a loose ball from Brady Hickey allowed Knowles to run through on goal, round Taylor and slot into an empty net, sealing the tie at 3-0.
Despite the result, the full-time whistle was met with applause and pride. “I’m extremely proud of the work rate, the endeavour, the willingness not to fold,” said manager Mitch Austin. “It’s a shame it wasn’t eleven v eleven, we needed eleven to make it more competitive, but this doesn’t deny anything we’re determined to do. You don’t build character in good times; you build it in bad times.”
He added, “The club is in a good place. If we can become a team like Altrincham and reach the conference, we’ll have crowds like this every week. We can be excited about the direction we’re heading in.”
After a sustained run of cup fixtures, Harborough return to league action on Saturday, hosting Bromsgrove Sporting, where more than 100 Spanish Bees are expected to swarm the Beehive. The cup adventure may be over, but the heart, resilience and unity shown throughout will carry into the league campaign, where Harborough remain top despite having missed two rounds of league fixtures.