- Halesowen Town have won 4 of their last 5 league games, and are on a 2-game winning streak.
- Harborough Town are unbeaten in their last 5 league fixtures (W3, D2).
- Harborough Town have conceded just 0.95 goals per away league game this season.
Harborough looking to go all the way
League leaders Harborough Town have 90 points after 39 games, while 4th placed Halesowen Town FC have 66 points from the same number of matches. While Harborough Town are looking for all three points to strengthen their title bid, Halesowen Town have their own battle - holding on to a play-off spot. With both sides in fine form coming into this fixture, Saturday promises to be a tough and entertaining affair.
Halesowen Town have won their last three games at the Grove, with last month’s 3-1 win over Stamford AFC and a 2-0 away victory at Bromsgrove Sporting among their recent results. Harborough Town, on the other hand, are on a five-game unbeaten run, thrashing Banbury United 5-1 at home before edging St. Ives Town FC 2-1 away.
Harborough to edge it
With 12 wins, 3 draws and 4 defeats in the Southern League Premier Division Central, Halesowen’s home form is the backbone of their season, while their attacking output of 2.11 goals per home match at the Grove is what drives them forward in games. The hosts have a real width-first policy, with Jordan Ponticelli their danger man in recent weeks, netting 4 times in their last 5 games. However, their manager usually has the side grow into games, and they have an affinity for second-half surges.
Harborough Town’s manager, on the other hand, has instilled a structure-first policy with his side, playing compact and controlling the game with their double pivot in midfield, usually dictating the tempo and keeping things tight at the back. Harborough’s attacking threat is more of a team effort, with their wide players providing pace and their midfield double pivot offering incisive runs.
The verdict
Halesowen Town have not lost any of their three games against Harborough Town, picking up one win and two draws in that time. However, Harborough are the bookies’ favourites for this clash at 49/50, with Halesowen priced at 56/25 and the draw at 62/25. Given Harborough’s consistency this season and their away record, backing the away side seems like the best move here.
Harborough have played 19 away games in the Southern League Premier Division Central this campaign, winning 13, drawing three and losing just three. Harborough have gone unbeaten in their last three away matches, picking up two wins and a draw, and given that both teams have been in form at either end of the pitch recently, we’re siding with over 2.5 goals at 69/100.
