Words: Ewan Murray
WE are taking a look at the new sides entering the Enterprise National League North for the 2026/27 season. Up next, we are headed to Leicestershire.
Harborough Town will be a brand-new name on the Chorley fixture list this season as it will be the first time in both clubs’ histories that the teams will face each other.
Known as The Bees, Harborough have seen a meteoric rise in the past five years under manager Mitch Austin, winning promotion three times, including their historic league victory last season.
During this period of success for The Bees, the club reached the second round of the FA Cup proper for the first time in its history in the 2023/24 season, taking league side Reading to extra time before narrowly losing 5-3.
Last season was the best campaign yet for Harborough Town as they won the Southern League Premier Central with a staggering 95 points – clinching promotion to this level for the first time in their history.
It will be a first trip for the Magpie faithful to the Harborough Town Community Football Ground (often referred to as Bowden Park) when we face off against them next season.
HARBOROUGH TOWN
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2025/26 Position: 1st in the Southern Premier League Central (C)
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Nickname: The Bees
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Manager: Mitch Austin
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Ground: Harborough Town Community Football Ground (Bowden Park)
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Previous Meeting: N/A






