Northants Combination League
Premier Division
Saturday 12th September 2026
Higham Town (0) – (1) Harborough Town Under 21’s
Report – Jonathan Hulls
Photo – Andy Murdock Photography
Harborough Town Under 21’s: Alexander Fisher, Corey Birch (Jarred Rawlins 58’), Coen Hughes (Charlie King 77’), Thomas Hoey, James Flint, Leighton McWilliams (Rian Verghese 58’), Cyprian Mtenga, Lovell Edwards, Shaan Virk (Archie Woolmer 68’), Oliver Price (Chulu Johnson 58’), Zak Gillespie.
It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the Young Bees as they travelled to face Higham Town, but Harborough ultimately did enough to secure another valuable three points on the road.
The game began in a scrappy fashion, with Harborough Town U21s enjoying the majority of possession, as anticipated. The visitors saw plenty of the ball during the opening exchanges, although the difficult weather conditions made it challenging for either side to establish any real rhythm.
Despite controlling much of the possession, the Young Bees initially found it difficult to turn that control into clear opportunities. Higham worked hard to disrupt Harborough’s play, with the conditions contributing to a cagey and disjointed start to the contest.
Harborough’s pressure eventually told around the 11th minute. Oliver Price found himself in a position to test the Higham goalkeeper, who managed to save his initial effort. However, the resulting clearance struck Corey Birch and deflected into the net, giving the Young Bees an early 1–0 lead.
The goal provided Harborough with the advantage, but the remainder of the first half continued in a cagey and scrappy manner. The weather made conditions difficult for both teams, preventing the Young Bees from fully settling into their usual rhythm despite their greater share of possession.
Higham continued to compete and ensured that Harborough were unable to extend their advantage before the interval. The Young Bees therefore went into the break with their narrow lead intact.
Half-time: Higham Town 0–1 Harborough Town Under 21’s
Harborough emerged for the second half with far more energy and purpose. The Young Bees began to take greater control of proceedings and played with more attacking intent as they looked to give themselves some breathing space.
The visitors created several opportunities after the restart and repeatedly tested the Higham goalkeeper. He produced a number of saves to keep his side within touching distance and prevent Harborough from finding the second goal which would have put the game beyond doubt.
As the half progressed, the Young Bees continued to apply pressure and search for another goal. Despite the opportunities they created, Harborough were unable to add to their advantage, leaving the contest finely balanced heading into its closing stages.
The failure to find the all-important second goal meant Harborough had to remain focused and disciplined until the final whistle. Higham stayed within one goal of the visitors, but the Young Bees held firm to protect their narrow advantage.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 1–0 victory, with Harborough Town U21s taking all three points from a difficult afternoon. It was not the Young Bees’ most fluent performance, but they found a way to grind out another important away win.
Head Coach Josh Unsworth said:
“I made it clear I was really disappointed with our decision-making today.
Yes, tough conditions on a tough pitch, but that doesn’t give an excuse for our poor decision-making at key times in a game.
“However, we’ll reflect and move on to a big game next Friday night.”