Harborough Town discover opponents for second-ever venture into FA Cup First Round Proper
Harborough Town have been drawn against Leyton Orient after reaching the FA Cup First Round Proper for just the second time in the club’s history.
The Bees earned their name in the hat following a 3-1 win over fellow National League North club Spennymoor Town on Saturday (October 17).
Goals from Dempsey Arlott-John, Britt Assombalonga and Eliot Putman made for a historic afternoon, with the Beehive absolutely rocking.
The squad - along with a host of fans and volunteers - then returned to the Beehive on Monday night to watch the draw live on TNT Sports.
Footage from Harborough’s social media pages shows the players jumping for joy when discovering that League One outfit Orient will be their next opponents.
Currently ninth in the English third tier following four wins, two draws and four defeats in their opening 10 games, Orient are eyeing an outside shot at a play-off finish.
The O’s have ambitions of playing in the Championship in the not-too-distant future, with a new, bigger stadium in the works for the early 2030s.
Long-serving Bees boss Mitch Austin, who hails from north London, was particularly thrilled when the fixture was announced.
“For a Tottenham fan, Leyton Orient has always been our second team. I’m a local boy with loads of family from the area. It’s a brilliant tie for us,” Austin said.
As it stands, the game has been scheduled for Saturday, November 7, though that is not set in stone. Ticket details will be released by the Bees when everything is confirmed.
But Orient’s 9,271-capacity BetWright Stadium has room for around 1,500 away supporters, so Harborough fans are unlikely to be left disappointed.
However, before they can truly get up for the cup, Harborough must first turn their attention back to the National League North.
Three big fixtures await before the Orient clash, with the hosting of Worksop Town this Saturday (October 24), before away trips to Buxton (October 27) and Hebburn Town (October 31).
This Saturday’s game against the 13th-placed Worksop kicks off at 3pm at the Beehive. A win could see the Bees rise up into the top half.