|
 Harrow
opened 2001 with an exciting draw against a classy-looking St Alban's
side. A lively second-half fightback was an encouragement after
the lack of spirit shown on Boxing Day against Hendon.
The
Earlsmead surface was heavy and had passed a morning inspection.
Borough began well. New signing Marcus Richardson was closed down
as he latched on to Nicolaj Lund's pass, and then Pat Gavin headed
on Lund's corner to John Hurlock, whose shot on the turn was blocked.
|
| John
Hurlock puts Harrow ahead from the penalty spot |
A
good move in the 10th minute led to another Lund corner. Gavin connected
with a firm header that stuck a visiting defender on the arm. Referee
Smith pointed to the spot, somewhat controversially as it seemed
to be a case of 'ball to hand', but John Hurlock was not going to
pass by the opportunity, driving home the penalty. Two minutes later
Harrow had a good chance to double their lead. An exchange between
Lund and Richardson left Mark Xavier with space in front of goal,
but his shot was saved by Hurst.
As
the visitors then began to find their feet, home supporters wondered
at the significance of the miss. Debutant Adam Everitt blocked Cooper's
shot, but from the resultant 28th minute corner, Moran rose in front
of James Robinson to head in the equaliser. The Saints took control
in the run-up to half-time. Wraight's impudent 40-yard lob was only
just over the bar, and a succession of corners ended with Evans
shooting just wide. Robinson pulled off an excellent save, diving
full-length to his right to keep out a goalbound effort.
|
| Marcus
Richardson contests for the ball |
Richardson's
50-yard run and cross brought some relief to the Harrow defence,
but it did not last long. On the stroke of half-time, Stephens beat
two Borough defenders and lashed the ball past Robinson. Harrow
started the second half in determined fashion and Andy Rose's shot
was spilled by Hurst, but no Harrow player was on hand to get the
loose ball. However, Knight should have increased the visitors'
lead when a cross found him unmarked at the far post, but Robinson
saved his shot.
Robinson
then made a great block to keep out Stephens's drive. Harrow levelled
on the hour. A cross was cleared to Andy Rose who from 22 yards
hit a dipping shot over Hurst for his first goal of the season.
Lund's burst into the box forced a good save from Hurst, and at
the other end a double error by Robinson and Rose gave Knight a
chance to shoot, over the bar.
|
| Pat
Gavin challenges Saints 'keeper Hurst |
Everitt's
storming run upfield was blocked, and then Xavier cut in from the
left only to be stopped by a great last-ditch tackle. Substitute
Oliver Petersen then collected a cross from the right and, at the
second attempt, hit a low shot just past the far post. Lund's free-kick
was saved, and Xavier's volley went wide, but the closest thing
to a winning goal came from the impressive Knight, who beat Rose
and chipped just past the far post.
|
