Boston Town held their higher-grade opponents in the FA Cup – and gave them a scare or two on the way.
Harborough are unbeaten since February and enjoyed a stunning year in the United Counties League South last season, winning the title to earn promotion to Step 4 for the first time in their history.
But the Poachers were quicker out of the blocks and applied some early pressure on a warm afternoon at the Mortgages For You Stadium.
Harry Limb shot narrowly over and then saw another effort deflected wide. Travis Portas had little to do in the first half until he needed to save smartly from Joel Carta just before the break.
Jason Field, making his first appearance since returning to the club, was replaced at half-time, having earlier receiving treatment for an injury.
It was a more even affair after the interval, but the Poachers still had chances to book their place in he next round.
The two side now meet again on Tuesday (9 August) at the HTFC Community Ground, KO 7.45pm
Town: : Portas, Field (Young), Mucklin, J Tate, Wilson, Ford, Bayliss (L Tate), Maddison, Nuttell (Beeson), Limb Adams; subs not used: Borbely, Urbsys
Boston Town FC 