MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

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Sutekh
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MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Sutekh » 27 Nov 2024 09:09



When : Sunday December 1 2024, 2pm
Where : Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
Capacity : 24,161

FA Cup again and after the rather embarrassing outings suffered by the club in recent seasons comes another chance to progress. Defeat here though would outclass the disgrace at Kidderminster and the “what the hell was that” at Eastleigh by quite some way and probably be the most embarrassing result the club has ever suffered. However we all know Reading have it in them to produce performances that are very rank indeed and just when you don’t expect them.

The game is on the telly I think somewhere in the world, thus the club agreeing to moving it to the Sunday so hopefully there’s a bit of money coming to the club as a result. And that’s what it is about at the moment, money. The winner will get £75000 and a chance of a shot at £120000 and also maybe a big tie on the telly in the U.K. in the 3rd round, therefore this game matters.

Harborough are based in Market Harborough in Leicestershire. They reached this round by dumping out the likes of Darlaston (1Q), Stourbridge (2Q), Leamington (3Q), Bury (4Q) and Tonbridge Angels (1P). Tonbridge play 1 tier above Harborough (Nat South (tier 6) v Southern Premier Central (tier 7)) and Harborough thoroughly trounced them at Tonbridge by 4 goals to 1 so are well capable of raising their game and causing a shock if they are not given due respect and opponents are not in the right frame of mind.

Harborough’s most well known player is 35 year old ex Spurs and QPR, Brazilian midfielder Sandro who joined the club earlier this month, despite announcing his retirement last year, so it will be interesting to see if he can influence proceedings.

Reading will probably play a hybrid team of first teamers mixed with a few more youngsters than usual - sort of a Vertu Trophy Plus team line up - given the immediate demands of a visit from Cambridge to follow 2 days afterwards (for the record Cambridge play at home to Wigan on Saturday).

Expect a packed and noisy away end for this one as it will be Harborough’s biggest game in their history. They also will have ZERO to lose so expect a fight all the way and let’s hope the club don’t end up being shown first on the FA Cup highlights program (6pm BBC 2). IF Reading do manage to progress then the 3rd round draw is at 7pm on BBC 2 on Monday 2 December.

Lastly, there will be NO replay so the game MUST be decided on the day. Therefore extra time and penalties will follow if all is level at the final whistle (obviously the last thing the club wants with a game on Tuesday).

Referee

Declan Bourne

Previously

14 Sep 24 > Reading 0-1 Leyton Orient

Historically

Unsurprisingly the two sides have never met before, however Reading have played many non league sides at home in the FA Cup and while winning most of them they have been beaten. Just the once though, 42 years ago when Bishops Stortford arrived to outperform Pat Earles’ and co in a 2-1 win in front of 2900 or so at Elm Park in November 1982.

How to follow the game

  1. Get a ticket and travel to the game
  2. Possibly live coverage if you’re not in the British Isles
  3. Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
  4. Ring/text a mate for updates
  5. Use a RoyalsTV subscription
  6. BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)

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stealthpapes
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by stealthpapes » 27 Nov 2024 11:09

Maybe not the thread for it, but what is our record vs non-league teams?

Avoiding the recent unpleasantness, in more recent past, we've (a) been in the 3rd round and (b) drawn Manchester United.

I've dim memory of Grays Athletic in the early Madejski era. Slough Town back in early 90s.

Sutekh
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Sutekh » 27 Nov 2024 16:45

stealthpapes Maybe not the thread for it, but what is our record vs non-league teams?

Avoiding the recent unpleasantness, in more recent past, we've (a) been in the 3rd round and (b) drawn Manchester United.

I've dim memory of Grays Athletic in the early Madejski era. Slough Town back in early 90s.


OK this is the record as far as I can make out.

This will be the 62nd game against non league opponents since Reading joined the FL in 1920.

Of the previous 61 games (against 36 different opponents) Reading have won 41, drawn 12 and lost 8. The record though in the 21st century is an absolute disgrace with Reading having lost both of the games played since 2000.

The roll of teams played so far is:

Club - no of games against
  1. Barking - 1
  2. Barry Town - 1
  3. Bedford Town - 1
  4. Bishops Stortford - 2
  5. Blyth Spartans - 2
  6. Bognor Regis Town - 1
  7. Brentwood Town - 1
  8. Bridgwater Town - 1
  9. Bromley - 2
  10. Cheltenham Town - 4
  11. Colchester United - 5
  12. Corinthians - 1
  13. Dagenham - 2
  14. Dartford - 1
  15. Eastleigh - 1
  16. Edith & `Belvedere - 1
  17. Enfield - 2
  18. Hayes - 2
  19. Hendon - 2
  20. Ilford - 1
  21. Grays Athletic - 1
  22. Guildford City - 1
  23. Kettering Town - 2
  24. Kidderminster Harriers - 1
  25. Kings Lynn - 1
  26. Leyton - 1
  27. Maidstone United - 2
  28. Merthyr Tydfil - 1
  29. Slough Town - 3
  30. Sutton Town - 1
  31. Wealdstone - 3
  32. Welling United - 5
  33. Weymouth - 2
  34. Wisbech Town - 1
  35. Wycombe Wanderers - 1
  36. Yeovil Town - 1

Currently a league club

Colchester United and Welling United (thanks to the epic saga of draws in 1989) are the most common opponents with 5 games each.

Reading’s home record is:

Pld 35 W 27 D 7 L 1

And the away record is:

Pld 26 W 14 D 5 L 7

Reading have scored 154 goals and conceded 71.

Highest scoring win is 8-3 v Corinthians (1935).

Biggest winning margin is 6 goals (6-0 v Leyton in 1925).

All defeats have been by 1 goal, either 1-0 (3 times) or 2-1 (5 times).

The last 5 defeats have all been by 2-1.

Reading last failed to score in a game against non league opposition, 11 games ago, back on December 19 1989 when it finished 0-0 at home with Welling United. The club has only failed to score a goal in 6 games.

Clyde1998
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Clyde1998 » 27 Nov 2024 17:01

We also played Barnet in the League Trophy (2002?) when they were a non-league side and lost 4-1 at Underhill.

Mid Sussex Royal
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Mid Sussex Royal » 27 Nov 2024 17:02

I went to the only home defeat in 1982 as mentioned by Sutekh above, Bishops Stortford scored a last minute winner courtesy of a wayward pass which deflected off the ref to their player who was through on goal....didn't stop the game in those days when that happened.

As this season the club was up for sale......lets hope nothing else repeats itself.


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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Clyde1998 » 27 Nov 2024 17:16

Looking at ticket sales: Harborough have said they're selling tickets tonight ("less than a hundred" are left) - so they've sold roughly 3,400.

Our sales have jumped another 400 in the since 11am on yesterday when looking just now - putting us at just shy of 3,200 (notwithstanding hospitality and disabled seats).

The club were advertising corporate boxes online, but now they aren't - so maybe they've sold out. In that case add another ~250 to the attendance (roughly 280 would be capacity of all the boxes). The Royals Lounge is still available to purchase tickets in; don't know if the other hospitality options were open for this one.

We've probably sold as many tickets as them so far, with numbers likely to increase in our favour by the time we get to Sunday - like what happened with the Fleetwood game (where we sold over half our tickets in the final four days).

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tidus_mi2
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by tidus_mi2 » 27 Nov 2024 17:25

I'm less concerned about a shock in the cup since we're at home, I think the shite pitches at Kidderminster and Eastleigh contributed to our exits in recent seasons.

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stealthpapes
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by stealthpapes » 27 Nov 2024 17:38

Sutekh
stealthpapes Maybe not the thread for it, but what is our record vs non-league teams?

Avoiding the recent unpleasantness, in more recent past, we've (a) been in the 3rd round and (b) drawn Manchester United.

I've dim memory of Grays Athletic in the early Madejski era. Slough Town back in early 90s.


OK this is the record as far as I can make out.

This will be the 62nd game against non league opponents since Reading joined the FL in 1920.

Of the previous 61 games (against 36 different opponents) Reading have won 41, drawn 12 and lost 8. The record though in the 21st century is an absolute disgrace with Reading having lost both of the games played since 2000.

The roll of teams played so far is:

Club - no of games against
  1. Barking - 1
  2. Barry Town - 1
  3. Bedford Town - 1
  4. Bishops Stortford - 2
  5. Blyth Spartans - 2
  6. Bognor Regis Town - 1
  7. Brentwood Town - 1
  8. Bridgwater Town - 1
  9. Bromley - 2
  10. Cheltenham Town - 4
  11. Colchester United - 5
  12. Corinthians - 1
  13. Dagenham - 2
  14. Dartford - 1
  15. Eastleigh - 1
  16. Edith & `Belvedere - 1
  17. Enfield - 2
  18. Hayes - 2
  19. Hendon - 2
  20. Ilford - 1
  21. Grays Athletic - 1
  22. Guildford City - 1
  23. Kettering Town - 2
  24. Kidderminster Harriers - 1
  25. Kings Lynn - 1
  26. Leyton - 1
  27. Maidstone United - 2
  28. Merthyr Tydfil - 1
  29. Slough Town - 3
  30. Sutton Town - 1
  31. Wealdstone - 3
  32. Welling United - 5
  33. Weymouth - 2
  34. Wisbech Town - 1
  35. Wycombe Wanderers - 1
  36. Yeovil Town - 1

Currently a league club

Colchester United and Welling United (thanks to the epic saga of draws in 1989) are the most common opponents with 5 games each.

Reading’s home record is:

Pld 35 W 27 D 7 L 1

And the away record is:

Pld 26 W 14 D 5 L 7

Reading have scored 154 goals and conceded 71.

Highest scoring win is 8-3 v Corinthians (1935).

Biggest winning margin is 6 goals (6-0 v Leyton in 1925).

All defeats have been by 1 goal, either 1-0 (3 times) or 2-1 (5 times).

The last 5 defeats have all been by 2-1.

Reading last failed to score in a game against non league opposition, 11 games ago, back on December 19 1989 when it finished 0-0 at home with Welling United. The club has only failed to score a goal in 6 games.


cheers

East Grinstead Royal
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by East Grinstead Royal » 28 Nov 2024 15:34

I remember travelling to Hendon, Wealdstone, Wycombe and Barry. Those games all seemed so important at the time.


Clyde1998
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Clyde1998 » 28 Nov 2024 17:07

East Grinstead Royal I remember travelling to Hendon, Wealdstone, Wycombe and Barry. Those games all seemed so important at the time.

I imagine the FA Cup was viewed as more important at the time in general.

This one feels like the biggest possible banana skin and a lose-lose situation, unless it turns into a complete non-contest.

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The Cap
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by The Cap » 28 Nov 2024 17:14

East Grinstead Royal I remember travelling to Hendon, Wealdstone, Wycombe and Barry. Those games all seemed so important at the time.


Did Hendon and Wycombe away. Remember Ding lads giving it the big 'un at Hendon, until around 50 Tottenham strolled in during the first half. Went unsurprisingly quiet after that. As for Wycombe....on that particular occasion it was definitely bandit country with loads of gypsies joining their crew. Ah the memories.

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LUX
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by LUX » 28 Nov 2024 17:27

anyone remember Hereford away around 1977? However they were two(?) divisions above us.

We took a football special train.

Lost one nil and never got out of our half.

Mid Sussex Royal
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Mid Sussex Royal » 28 Nov 2024 17:42

Given the club statement maybe we should play a stronger side on Sunday as a cup run looks more important than ever now.


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RG30
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by RG30 » 28 Nov 2024 17:59

Mid Sussex Royal Given the club statement maybe we should play a stronger side on Sunday as a cup run looks more important than ever now.


I have held this view as well. Start with 4/5 first teamers and look to have it wrapped up by HT and then rotate if necessary.

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Snowflake Royal
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Snowflake Royal » 28 Nov 2024 18:04

Mid Sussex Royal Given the club statement maybe we should play a stronger side on Sunday as a cup run looks more important than ever now.

What club statement?

Clyde1998
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Clyde1998 » 28 Nov 2024 18:45

Snowflake Royal
Mid Sussex Royal Given the club statement maybe we should play a stronger side on Sunday as a cup run looks more important than ever now.

What club statement?

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=190810&start=6060#p5538824

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Hound » 28 Nov 2024 19:53

Irritated again by the kick off time, at a total loose end Saturday afternoon and just assumed we had a home game. Can’t do Sunday

Seems months since I’ve watched us live

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tidus_mi2
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by tidus_mi2 » 28 Nov 2024 21:05

While I appreciate that a cup run will generate more for the coffers than a successful league campaign so I can see where people are coming from when they say to play first teamers in the 2nd round.

It's Harborough, our reserves should win comfortably at home.

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Snowflake Royal
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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Snowflake Royal » 28 Nov 2024 22:44

Assume it'll be something like:

...................Button
Ahmed, Dean*, Kanu, Garcia
................Rushesha
.............Senga, Elliott
Akande.......................Camara
................Wareham

Subs: CBC, Craig, Bindon, Savage, Sackey, Tuma, Smith

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Re: MATCHWATCH : Harborough Town (h)

by Crowbar6753 » 28 Nov 2024 22:44

tidus_mi2 While I appreciate that a cup run will generate more for the coffers than a successful league campaign so I can see where people are coming from when they say to play first teamers in the 2nd round.

It's Harborough, our reserves should win comfortably at home.


With you here tidus would like to see a few first teamers get a runout just incase :D :D we do have history of cup upsets lol. They might be well down the pyramid but we should afford them some respect as they have earnt the right to get this far. Defeat here really would be on another level and would surpass both Eastleigh and Kidderminster :D

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