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Harrow
Borough's dismal record in their league cup continued on Tuesday
night, as a makeshift squad, put together to give fringe players
an opportunity at a higher level, failed to match committed opponents.
Croydon
fully deserved their win at Earlsmead Stadium, having dominated
the first half, writes Tony Booth. Though Boro' had more of the
game thereafter, they found themselves a goal down on three occasions
and were only able to draw level twice. Harrow weren't helped by
a lengthy injury list but did little to aid their own cause with
indiscipline in the face of a visiting team still trying to find
its feet at this, Premier Division, level.
A
first minute booking for skipper Mark Cooper set the trend for a
disjointed first half effort from the hosts, while Shane Small-King
did no favours for his long term future at the club, by getting
himself sent off for kicking Reeve off the ball, in the 76th minute.
Boro's starting line up included four players making their competitive
debuts for the club. They found themselves on the back foot straight
away, with Cooper having to head Bower's 8th minute chip off the
line. Further good defensive work by Smith, Hook, Hurlock and Protain
were necessary, whilst Millard carried on bravely, despite injury
hampering him.
As
Harrow eventually found their feet, Gusavac headed over, then McCormack
saw his free kick rebound back into play off the crossbar. Willock
was becoming more of a threat in midfield, the half ending as he
shot just wide. The visitors took a 55 minute lead, when 'keeper
Smith's massive clearance sent McDonnell clear of the defence, and
he netted the rebound from Hook's brave save. McDonnel had scored
Croydon's goal when the two sides had met in the Capital League
last week.
Boro'
drew level 2 minutes later, when Small-King's challenge paved the
way for Frank McCORMACK to drive his shot in from the edge of the
box. Remarkably, Agudosi tried to score straight from the restart,
Hook palming his shot off the line (!), but his team were ahead
again anyway in the 59th minute. Crome's cross found SUGRUE with
enough room to drive a fierce shot into goal. Boro' thought they
had drawn level again in the 70th minute, when Small-King's drive
was well saved before the rebound was put away by Gusavac, only
for an assistant's flag to contentiously rule out the goal for offside.
Good
saves by Hook kept Boro's boat afloat, and even though Small-King's
rashness saw him off for an early shower, Boro' pulled it back to
2-2 in the 79th minute.Protain and Gusavac set up McCormack for
a skilful 20 yard chip shot that fairly flew over the 'keeper. The
pattern of quick responses, or sleepy defences, continued, for Croydon
restored their lead a minute later! DICKINSON was allowed a free
header from Sugrue's corner and though both Protain and Willock
went close to forcing extra time for Boro's 10 men, it was not to
be.
Harrow:
Hook; Smith ( 12 Hayrettin ), Protain; Millard, Cooper, Willock;
Hurlock, Small-King, Gusavac ( 15 Gavin ), Archer ( 14 Roberts ),
McCormack.
Croydon:
Smith; Harper, Crome; Dickinson, Reeve, Judge; Coleman, Bower, Agudosi,
McDonnell ( 12 Dance ), Sugrue; other subs 14 Myatt, 15 Finch.
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