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The
meeting of the Boro's ended predictably enough, with the runaway
Premier Division tabletoppers extending their lead to 13 points,
whilst Harrow slipped two places to 17th.
The
lower half of the table now sees eight teams, including Harrow,
separated by only ten points, in a nervous group just above the
bottom three. It is one of those interminable mysteries as to why
Harrow perform better against the 'good' sides and slide to the
depths of inferior teams' standards when they are met. Hence, an
altered visiting line up gave a very encouraging performance overall,
taking the lead and looking good for a point before succumbing to
two goals in the last eleven minutes at the Aimita Stadium.
Out
went Roberts, Protain and Payne. Into the squad came newcomers Paulo
de Matos and Danny Alleyne, together with David Howell. Also appearing
for the last time, for the time being, was Danish midfielder Nikolaj
Lund, who returns to his native land this week, to complete the
domestic season, but may be seen at Earlsmead again before too many
months have passed.
Andy
Rose had already tested former Boro' 'keeper Mackenzie with a swirling
cross, before the visitors, resplendent in their new white and blue
away strip, took a 7 minute lead. Good work by former Farnboro'
striker Pat Gavin had paved the way for Steve Barnes to send in
a cross that forced Gregory to fell Richardson in the box. Referee
Tingey showed composure in front of the 534 crowd by awarding the
penalty, with John HURLOCK keeping calm amidst the storm of protests
and delaying tactics before driving home the spot kick.
Mackenzie
belied his experience by niaively 'talking' his way to a caution
as the teams returned to halfway to restart the match. Clearly flustered,
Farnboro's Dack caused a fracas with Boro's Lewis, the home skipper
Watson stupidly running 20 yards to get involved a la Keane. The
hosts escaped discipline from this incident and nearly suffered
further when Lund's 30 yard effort forced a good diving save. Barnes
tried his luck from the edge of the box, only to shoot straight
at the 'keeper, who then hastily cleared from the onrushing Marcus
Richardson.
Farnboro'
had the greater amount of possession but were thwarted by keen tackling
a good organisation on the part of the visitors. Gavin made contributions
at both ends, diving to head clear in his own area, then forcing
another save with a long range shot. The home team had merely skied
shots towards David Hook's goal, though on the half hour, he was
forced to dive full length to turn aside Gregory's 30 yard effort
that was deflected and swerved. Six minutes later, he was at last
beaten, after Gavin had sen yet another effort saved at the home
end. The ball was clearly far and long by Mackenzie, and when the
ball skimmed off Cooper's head, CRAWSHAW was on hand to round Hook
and net his shot.
Defender
Laker then tested Hook as half time approached but three headers
were either held or off target, with Harrow good value for being
on level terms. In the second half, the pattern was much the same.
On a freezing nght, both sides served up an entertaining brand of
football, such that it was going to be a pity for either tolose.
Hook saved well from Corbett, just as Mackenzie did from Lund'sdriven
shot. Shots from Richardson and Hurlock were matched by Crawshaw
and, in particular, David Hook was seen to make a remarkable save
in the 59th minute, arching back to turn wide Corbett's header as
the home crowd set off on their goal celebrations! Boro' made a
couple of surprising substitutions, whereupon they had two really
good chances to regain the lead. Keith Newby was very close to netting
his shot from the edge of the box, but Hurlock really should have
done beter than his 'airshot' at Richardson's astute cross.
As
has so often been the case, a second goal was what Harrow needed
but it was Fornboro' who took a 79 minute lead, with LAKER powrfully
heading in Dack's corner. This was less than Harrow deserved but
it then took a good save by Hook to deny Baird, together with good
tackles by Lewis and Cooper. With three minutes left, Gregory's
free kick was headed out - but only to the lurking WATSON, whose
fierce 25 yard drive flew inside Hook's near post, for a goal that
a better disciplined player deserved.
This
widened the margin to unfair proportions but reflected the fact
that, for all their improved efforts since the poor showing v Grays,
Harrow are in need of a points booster from a squad whose seaon
has fallen slightly flat since their F A Cup run was ended by quarter
finalists Wycombe. However, there is is still much to play for -
with Premier survival points the main point in question, together
with their forthcoming participation in the county cup semi finals.
Harrow:
Hook; Rose, de Matos ( Newby ); Lewis, Cooper, M.Walsh; Hurlock,
Lund ( Alleyne ), Gavin ( Howell ), Richardson, Barnes.
Farnboro:
Mackenzie; Warner, Gregory; Corbett, Annon, Laker; Watson, L. Piper
( Baird ), Darlington ( Harper ), Crawshaw, Dack; other sub. C.
Piper.
Cautions:
Mackenzie, Lund.
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