Harborough Town Prepares for Historic FA Cup First-Round Match

Following their victory over Bury earlier this month, Harborough Town is generating considerable anticipation in Leicestershire as they prepare for their FA Cup first-round match against Tonbridge Angels this weekend. This upcoming fixture marks the first occasion the Bees have participated in the competition’s first round proper since the club’s establishment in 1975, a milestone achieved by their 1-0 home win against Bury in the final qualifying round earlier this month. Despite facing criticism for their defensive style of play leading up to Saturday’s game in Kent, the club, based in Market Harborough, is eagerly anticipating the match. Maz Hayton, the director of youth Football, conveyed to BBC Radio Leicester, “We’re buzzing with the opportunity that’s provided with our first-team coach, our manager, our gaffer: Mitch Austin – he’s been tremendous at the club, a revelation.” Hayton further elaborated on Austin’s contributions, stating, “And with his expertise, knowledge and man-management – because at that level its about managing people – and if you can manage the players, the players will play for you.” Austin assumed leadership of the club four years prior, during which period the team has achieved two promotions. Harborough competes in the Southern League Premier Central, which represents the seventh tier of English football, and is presently positioned in 16th place. The team enters the upcoming fixture as underdogs, given that their opponents compete in the National League South, a division higher. Hayton also remarked, “Mitch is not shy from playing young players as well. He’s a tremendous guy – very good with people.” Josh Unsworth, who serves as joint-coach for Harborough’s under-23 side, commented, “It’s such a family club here, you see the gaffer with the under-11s on a Tuesday night. The way he is with them, it just breeds confidence and love throughout the whole football club.” Unsworth further emphasized the impact, stating, “When you’ve got your first-team gaffer doing that with the under-11s, showing interest in them, it just breeds so much through the football club.” Sandi Toksvig will be accompanied by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Opportunities are available to sing along to tracks by Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and others. Ben Fogle and Kate Humble return to participate in the celebrations at Longleat Safari Park. Topics range from microplastics found in our air, soil, and waterways, to the significant amount of food waste generated during this period of the year. © 2024 BBC. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.