Boro'
gave an encouraging performance, when defeating Enfield for the
third time this season in Saturday's Ryman League Premier Division
match, staged at Boreham Wood's ground, as Enfield continue their
lengthy search for a stadium of their own.
Boosted
by a confident performance from 'keeper James Robinson, central
defender Danny Nwaokolo and midfield lynchpin Derek Payne, Harrow
were the better team overall and fully deserved the three points
on offer. Speedy work by Robinson thwarted two early attempts
from the hosts, as he dived to push wide a Morris shot, then parried
the ball away from Hammatt.
The
ball was generally on its way towards the home goal, however,
with Boro's first effort resulting from Payne's good tackle. Barnes
sent over a cross and skipper Pat Gavin headed narrowly wide.
Xavier had been withdrawn into midfield but he was still influential
until forced off by injury at the interval. From his cross, Gavin
had a header saved, then a Barnes cross paved the way for Gavin
and Xavier to have volleys blocked.
Oliver
Lyons was even tempted to try his luck from the centre circle
but his lofted shot was chested down by the backpedalling ' keeper!
Boro' took the lead after 27 minutes, when Barnes crossed from
the left and Gavin headed the ball on to Xavier on the other wing.
When the ball was returned into the box, Harriott was adjudged
to have handled by the well positioned referee. John HURLOCK strode
up to confidently net the spot kick.
Harrow
had plenty of attacking opportunities, only for wayward shooting
and inaccurate crosses to hamper them. Marc Walsh did at least
get his long range shot on target, forcing a save just below the
'bar at the second attempt. Meanwhile, Enfield were living off
scraps and making even less of them.
Within
a minute of the start of the second half, Enfield’s Hammatt twice
dived in the Boro’ box, the second time when challenged by Walsh.
The referee decided that a penalty was required but Robinson came
to Boro’s rescue, diving full length to push away Jones’s shot,
then recovering to divert Bird’s effort from the rebound onto
the ‘bar and safety.
Despite
having had the better of the first half, Harrow had not scored
the second goal that would probably have sealed the result against
struggling opponents, and despite the penalty let-off, Boro’ were
pegged back in the 57th minute. Bird’s cross was mistakenly headed
towards his own goal by Gavin and MORRIS headed in from virtually
on the goalline.
The match was now a much more open affair but Harrow were to hold
a trump card in Otis Roberts. From his position on the right wing,
he sent over a stream of accurate crosses. Initially forcing a
diving save with a shot from Payne’s pass, the Grenadian international
paved the way for Gavin to force a save with a far post header,
then Richardson was given the chance to shoot goalwards, only
to see his effort held.
Robinson
made a double save to deny Geraghty’s long range effort but Harrow
were well worth their achievement in regaining the lead in the
68th minute. Barnes crossed the ball beyond Gavin but Roberts
returned it into the goalmouth more accurately and Marcus RICHARDSON
rose at the far post to head high into the net.
A
rash of fouls by the hosts resulted in several cautions, with
Hammatt being particularly fortunate to escape punishment after
silly challenges. Boro’ kept their cool in the face of such desperation
and should now look to make further improvements in their league
placing.
Harrow:
Robinson; Walsh, James; Xavier ( Roberts 45 ), Nwaokolo, Lyons;
Barnes, Hurlock ( Lewis 75 ), Gavin ( Petersen 91 ), Richardson,
Payne.
Enfield:
John; Lakin, Devereux; Geraghty ( Moody 73 ), Gant, Harriott;
Morris, ( Allen 73 ), Jones ( Flemming 80 ), Watson, Hammatt,
Bird.
Cautions:
Morris 52, Allen 85, Devereux 87.
