Harborough thrash Tonbridge to reach FA Cup second round

Ben Stephens’ brace helped Harborough reach the second round of the FA Cup for the first time as they beat fellow non-league side Tonbridge 4-1.

Making their first-round debut, Southern League Premier Central side Harborough had goalkeeper Elliott Taylor to thank for keeping it level with some solid saves in the opening stages.

And Harborough went ahead in the 41st minute when Paul Malone nodded home from a corner and they doubled their lead on the hour through Stephens’ curling strike.

Stephens scored his second in the 72nd minute with a close-range finish and Dan Forbes added a fourth with three minutes left.

Sean Shields netted a consolation for National League South side Tonbridge in the fifth minute of stoppage time.