FA Youth Cup
First Qualifying Round
Tuesday 15th September 2026
Spalding United Under 18’s (1) – (14) Harborough Town Under 18’s
Report – Jonathan Hulls
What a night for the Young Bees, who produced a dominant attacking display to record an emphatic 14–1 victory over Spalding United in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Youth Cup.
U21s Head Coach Josh Unsworth was tasked with leading Harborough Town’s 2026/27 U18 FA Youth Cup campaign, taking charge of the side alongside his assistant, Carlo Vojak-Landsell.
The Young Bees made a blistering start to the contest and quickly took complete control, racing into a commanding 3–0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes.
Gui Rodrigues struck twice during the impressive opening spell, while Chuckwudi Obibueze also found the net as Harborough’s relentless attacking play proved too much for the hosts.
Spalding managed to pull one goal back, but there was to be no shift in momentum as the Young Bees produced an immediate response.
Harborough continued to attack with pace and purpose, adding five further goals before the interval. Yuvraj Shergil, Archie Woolmer, Filip Paczkowski and Chuckwudi Obibueze were all among the goalscorers as the visitors established a commanding advantage by half-time.
Despite the size of their lead, Harborough showed no signs of easing off after the restart. The second half brought more of the same relentless pressure, slick football and complete control as the Young Bees continued to create opportunities.
Obibueze added another two goals to his tally, while Paczkowski and Rodrigues were also on target again. Yusuf Adelani then struck twice to complete an emphatic 14–1 victory and a memorable night in the FA Youth Cup for Harborough Town’s youngsters.
Head Coach Josh Unsworth said:
“It was a privilege to be tasked by the club to run this campaign. The lads were excellent today. The desire and the way they attacked in our transitions was incredible.”
The draw has been made for the Second Qualifying Round and the Bees will face Grantham Town Under 18’s at the Beehive.
Ties to take place during the W/C 28th September.