Top of the table clash ends with thumping 5-0 win for Harborough 45s

Despite not getting the same recognition as other senior teams at Harborough Town Football Club, the 45s secured some daylight between themselves and second-placed Highfields in their division, putting them three points ahead with a 5-0 win over their nearest rivals as well as chalking up their fifth consecutive win with maximum points.

Back row L-R: Kris Francis, Robbie Wynn, Mark Chilton, Scott Munton, Dan Church, Neil Denny, Lee Pears, Andrew Cooper, Gurjeet Shergill
Front row L-R: Dave Buckle, Nik Glazebrook, Chris Brylka, Gaz Owen, Martin Cripwell, Kev Burgess, Zunaid Mulla — Back row L-R: Kris Francis, Robbie Wynn, Mark Chilton, Scott Munton, Dan Church, Neil Denny, Lee Pears, Andrew Cooper, Gurjeet Shergill Front row L-R: Dave Buckle, Nik Glazebrook, Chris Brylka, Gaz Owen, Martin Cripwell, Kev Burgess, Zunaid Mulla | HTFC 45s

placeholder image — Back row L-R: Kris Francis, Robbie Wynn, Mark Chilton, Scott Munton, Dan Church, Neil Denny, Lee Pears, Andrew Cooper, Gurjeet Shergill Front row L-R: Dave Buckle, Nik Glazebrook, Chris Brylka, Gaz Owen, Martin Cripwell, Kev Burgess, Zunaid Mulla | HTFC 45s

This was always going to be Harborough's biggest test to date. Highfields are a fit and physical side, whose confidence would have been high following their previous results.

However, it was Harborough who produced one of their most composed, calm and confident performances ever.

The first 15 minutes were equally contested, but it was Harborough 45s top scorer Chris Brylka who opened the scoring with a 25-yard screamer. Five minutes later, the lead was doubled as a pinpoint pass from Gurjeet Shergill found Scott Munton in the penalty box. He dispatched clinically.

It took three minutes into the second half for Brylka to get his second – a beautiful goal involving Shergill and Speedy Mulla breaking at pace together, passing through the Highfield defence, allowing Brylka an easy finish.

Brylka got his hat-trick with 15 minutes to go. This time it was a solo effort as he picked up in his own half and used his pace to drive forward to slide past the keeper. The final goal came from the industrious Mulla, cutting in from the right and smashing past the Highfield keeper from just inside the area.

Despite the goal-scoring headlines, this was an exceptional team effort. All areas on the pitch were controlled by Harborough, and when substitutions were made, there was never a drop in shape or effort.

This was demonstrated late on in the game as Highfields had an unexpected chance near goal but were thwarted by Harborough's defence, who were desperate to keep a clean sheet. This was their third in a row, and Harborough have only conceded two goals all season so far.

Harborough 45s' next outing is a home clash with local opposition Kibworth on 14th November. As usual, entry is free.