GCE Hire Fleet United Counties Football League
Reserve Division
Tuesday 17th March 2026
Bugbrooke St Michaels Reserves (0) – (2) Harborough Town Under 21’s
Report – Josh Unsworth
Photo – Luke Darby Photography
The Young Bees turned their attentions back to league action with a tough away trip to an in-form Bugbrook St. Michael’s Reserves side, who came into the fixture unbeaten in their last six games.
The game began in cagey fashion, with both teams showing respect for one another and neither side able to find that cutting edge in the early exchanges. Despite this, it was BSM who had the better of the chances during the opening period, testing the Harborough defence and forcing Coen Hughes into some important defensive actions, including blocking two goal-bound shots to keep the scores level.
As the half progressed, Harborough began to grow into the contest and find more rhythm in possession. It was Coen Hughes who then made his mark at the other end of the pitch, turning from defender to goalscorer. A Cyprian Mtenga cross into the area was met by Hughes, who showed great technique to volley the ball home and give the Young Bees a 1–0 lead in the 32nd minute.
That goal proved to be the difference between the sides heading into the interval, with Harborough taking a narrow but important advantage into the break.
The Young Bees came out for the second half with renewed energy and intent, applying pressure that BSM struggled to live with. The hosts found themselves retreating deeper into their own half as Harborough began to dominate both possession and territory.
Following a spell of brilliant build-up play, Archie O’Donnell was fouled inside the penalty area, giving Harborough the opportunity to extend their lead from the spot. Skipper O’Donnell stepped up with confidence and dispatched the penalty, making it 2–0 to the Young Bees and bringing up his 30th goal of the season.
With a two-goal cushion, Harborough managed the remainder of the game in a professional manner, controlling possession effectively and limiting the hosts to very few opportunities as they saw the game out to secure all three points.
After the game, U21 Head Coach Josh Unsworth said:
“Today was a tough game against a good side.
Games like this, you find a way, the lads found that way. To press the way we did for 90 minutes was incredible.”