Quorn vs Harborough Town

Assombalonga's 81st-minute header, scored just moments after Beswick's penalty had put Quorn ahead, was the decisive moment. The fact that it came from a set-piece — a corner that Quorn failed to deal with — will have frustrated Beswick, but the speed of the response also demonstrated the quality Harborough's squad depth brings.

Musa Ceesay (Quorn) — A debut to remember. The midfielder, signed from Worcester City on 24 July, scored his first Quorn goal inside 17 minutes with a well-timed header from a free kick. Banbury United's match preview also noted his contribution.

Britt Assombalonga (Harborough Town) — Introduced at half-time on his unofficial debut for the Bees, the former Premier League forward showed his class with a clinical header from a corner to snatch a draw. His movement and experience were immediately evident, even in a pre-season run-out.

Ryan Beswick (Quorn) — The player-manager led by example, converting a cool penalty under pressure to put Quorn 2-1 up with ten minutes left. His post-match comments acknowledged the performance was much improved from recent outings.

Player of the Match: Musa Ceesay (Quorn) — A goal on debut and a strong all-round midfield display against higher-level opposition.

The 2-2 scoreline reflects a game of two distinct halves. Quorn dominated the first period, leading 1-0 at the break, and created several chances through set pieces — Ceesay's goal coming from a Goodson free kick. Harborough's strength in depth told after the interval, with their substitutes — particularly Assombalonga — changing the dynamic. The fact that both second-half goals came within a minute of each other (80' and 81') underlines how quickly the game swung in the final stages.

Quorn's penultimate pre-season friendly ended with a creditable draw against a side from two divisions above. The Methodists built on improved performances against Spalding United (0-3 loss on 21 July) and will face Banbury United at Farley Way on 1 August in their final pre-season test before the competitive season begins.

For Harborough Town, this was their seventh pre-season fixture ahead of a historic first campaign in the National League North. The Bees have shown positive form throughout the summer, with wins over Chesham United (2-0) and St Ives Town (1-0), and a 4-4 draw with Real Bedford. They face Peterborough United U21s on 28 July before wrapping up pre-season at Peterborough Sports on 1 August.

A competitive pre-season friendly that offered genuine insight for both managers. Quorn's first-half display suggested they can compete with Step 2 opposition, while Harborough's second-half response — particularly the impact of Assombalonga — will encourage Mitch Austin ahead of the National League North campaign. The sight of a former Premier League striker scoring in a pre-season friendly at Farley Way was a reminder of how far Harborough have come in recent years.