GCE Hire Fleet United Counties Football League
Reserve Division
Saturday 29th November 2025
Harborough Town Under 21’s 5-1 Wellingborough Town Development
Report – Josh Unsworth
Harborough Town’s U21s continued their excellent run of form with an impressive 5–1 victory over a competitive Wellingborough Town Development side, extending their lead at the top of the league.
The Young Bees made the perfect start, taking the lead inside five minutes. Cyprian Mtenga picked out Shaan Virk with a well-timed ball into the box, and Virk took full advantage, rifling his finish into the roof of the net to open the scoring. Despite Harborough’s bright beginning, Wellingborough forced their way back into the contest against the run of play. A long throw-in caused problems inside the area, and after a scramble, the ball was bundled over the line to level the game at 1–1.
Harborough responded well and continued to apply persistent pressure as the half wore on. Their efforts were rewarded shortly before the break when U21s captain Archie O’Donnell fired home, restoring the lead and sending the Bees into half-time ahead.
After the interval, Harborough shifted through the gears and produced a dominant second-half display. Relentless pressing forced Wellingborough into mistakes, and O’Donnell struck again — picking up possession 20 yards out before curling a superb effort into the corner for 3–1.
Moments later, Zak Gillespie added a fourth with a composed finish low to the goalkeeper’s right, and the scoring was completed when Ollie Price arrived to turn home a low cross from Leighton McWilliams, making it 5–1 and putting the game firmly out of reach.
Head Coach Josh Unsworth said:
“We found it tough in the first 55 minutes — Wellingborough were really determined and stubborn — but the lads found solutions on the pitch. We scored four unbelievable team goals today and one moment of brilliance from Archie.”