PREVIEW: Harborough Town (H)
By Will Phillips
When: Tuesday 18th November (19:045KO)
Where: The Stotto Stadium, Farley Way, Quorn LE12 8RB
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The Methodists host Harborough Town in the hopes of bouncing back strong after a late loss last time out.
Quorn’s Form:
The Methodists, despite showing signs of quality have failed to win in three matches. The last time Quorn were able to take home three points was a 4-3 win against Bishop’s Stortford. Beswick’s men have struggled against opposition in the last three matches- at no point being ahead in the games other than a goal in the first minute against Banbury which was then levelled eleven minutes later. Prior to this however, Quorn were able to go six games unbeaten.
The Reds last game ended in heartbreak conceding late on to a Jonathan Ayoola Lawson goal from a counterattack. Quorn started the game off well, a shot from outside the box from Cain Noble in the first minute putting Quorn up by a goal. Later on, however Quorn found themselves down 2-1 before the thirtieth minute. It was through Reece Fyfe that the game was levelled in the thirty-fourth minute. However, the late Harborough goal stopped any celebrations from Quorn fans getting a draw in a tough game that could have gone either way.
The Opposition:
It has been a terrific season for Harborough town so far, currently undefeated in the league. Harborough’s record has them at the top of the league, conceding only seven goals this season. This solid defence has been the main factor in Harborough’s success this season. In terms of goal scoring they have scored the fewest goals in the top eight so far in the league.
The Bees did fail to win in their last league game verses AFC Sudbury, drawing 2-2. This is Harborough’s fifth draw in the league this season. Prior to this the Bees had won two games consecutively, keeping clean sheets in both. Royston Town lost 2-0 to the Bees and Alvechurch lost by just one goal. Before the 2-2 draw to AFC Sudbury the Bees had completed five games on the bounce without conceding a single goal.
At the weekend Town moved on to the third round of the FA Trophy with a solid 3-0 win at home to Enfield Town.
Head-to-head:
The two sides have already played each other once this season, with Harborough coming out on top in that fixture after a last-minute winner from Luis Rose. This was fourth time that Harborough had beaten Quorn in a row. The most devastating of these losses coming in April of 2024. The Bees were able to score five past Quorn whilst maintaining a clean sheet. Harborough would have won the League title in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division that season had it not been for a six-point deduction. The last time Quorn beat Harborough was in a 6-1 win in September of 2019 in the United Counties League Premier Division.
One-to-Watch:
Alex Morris has been a rock at the heart of the Bee’s defence and is a name Quorn fans will know well, playing for the Reds from 2018 to 2021. Quorn’s attack will have to get the better of Alex Morris if they have any hope of unlocking the Harborough Defence.
Ticket Prices:
Adults £12.00, Concessions £9.00, U16s £3.00, Under 14s Free