Harborough Town 1
Riley O’Sullivan (82’)
Lutterworth Town 2
Simon Alcott (85’), Louie Gill (90+3’)
Harborough Town suffered their first defeat of the season, conceding two late goals as Lutterworth progressed in the Westerby County Cup. Mitch Austin fielded a heavily rotated side that offered several youngsters a first-team opportunity in a game that appeared to be more about rotation and experimentation rather than a must-win. Austin admitted after the game, “It was a game that was in the way a little bit.”
A relatively uneventful first half saw both sides unable to find rhythm, with Harborough Town playing at a lower tempo than usual. Lutterworth’s brightest spark came in the form of industrious striker Will Groocock, whose early strike was chalked off for offside. The forward believed he may have won a penalty when brought down by Harborough club captain, Ben Williams; however, referee Ali Cera booked Groocock for simulation. Harborough’s best chance of the half came from James Taylor’s free kick. The fullback’s left-footed curler narrowly missed the top corner.
Fresh opportunities and squad depth appeared to be the theme of the night. Fan favourite Jordan Crawford returned for the match from his loan spell at Wellingborough, showing glimpses of what the winger has to offer. Those in attendance were also delighted to see Dan Forbes come out of retirement to mark his 250th for the club.
The deadlock broke with eight minutes remaining when the aforementioned Bees combined well down the right. Forbes showed his strength in midfield stealing possession before releasing Crawford with a perfectly weighted through ball. The winger fizzed the ball across the box into the path of substitute Riley O’Sullivan to neatly tuck away.
An unexpected and dramatic collapse ensued. Three minutes after feeling as though they had found the winner, Simon Alcott’s header connected from a routine cross, tamely edging towards goal in what felt like slow motion. Young goalkeeper Beri Asante, who made an impeccable save earlier in the game, marshalled the ball as though it was going wide of the goal; however, the misjudgement led to Lutterworth equalising in bizarre fashion.
The Swifts, buoyed by the goal, smelt a potential cup scalp of their own, with menacing winger Courtney Lashley looking the most likely to cause the Bees danger. Lashley forced a double save from Asante before Jordan Burrows looked certain to score, only for the experienced Williams to clear off the line in heroic style. The shock came in stoppage time as Louie Gill grabbed the winner, breaking down the left and finishing through Asante’s legs.
Austin gave “credit to Lutterworth” for their giant-killing; however, the Bees boss remained positive. “It was good to see the youngsters. It’s all about development. Good learning curves.” He also reinforced the intention of tonight’s game, “I am glad we came out of that with no injuries. It was good to protect the boys.”
Harborough now turn their attention to the third cup competition in a week as they prepare to host high-flying, fellow step 3 side, Hednesford Town this Saturday at the Beehive. Austin added, “We look forward to a tough game in the FA Trophy.”
REPORT: Ben Monti
PHOTO: MGK Captures
MATCH: Leicestershire Challenge Cup First Round
ATTENDENCE: 252