Harrow Borough 2
Enfield 1

Going into last Saturday's F A Cup 4th qualifying round tie, at home to fellow Ryman League Premier Division side Enfield, Boro' had no fears on current form, though the spectre of tradition hung over their prospects. Boro' had already beaten Enfield 2-1 in a league game this season - but when it came to F A Cup history there was only one likely winner.

Enfield had once reached the 4th round proper of the Cup, only going out to Barnsley in a replay at Spurs' ground. This season was season only the 6th occasion on which Harrow had reached the final qualifying round. This time around, history meant little - for Boro's brave footballers overcame the odds and the conditions to fashion a result that few present will ever forget.

Boro's Mark Xavier passed a late fitness test to strengthen the hosts' front line, whilst another Harrow player, former Football League star Barry Silkman, played his part by acting as match sponsor. A grey overcast day had seen so much rain fall that the crowd was variously decreased by fair weather fans but boosted by neutrals left without a game by the several postponements locally.

The sodden pitch was always going to pose a variety of difficulties and in the first minute visiting 'keeper John was glad to se his blocked clearance rebound wide off the onrushing McCormack. Thereafter Enfield dominated first half possession. They appealed unsuccessfully for handball against Lyons, Allen and McDonald shot wide, then Harvey headed over. Flemming had a close range header saved, Bunn shot off target and Rattray was foiled by Hook's foot as the Enfield skipper shot goalwards from Flemming's cross. Devereaux's free kick was totally missed by the flailing Hook but Cooper was on hand to hack the ball off the line, then Allen steered a shot wide.

In reply, Harrow had worked extremely hard to stay on terms. The luck had been with them - for a change - and pacy runs from Roberts and Xavier were beginning to trouble the visiting defence. Driving rain welcomed the start of the second half. Capone forced a good diving save from Hook, whilst Devereaux had to clear off the Enfield line as Gavin got his head to a McCormack cross. Enfield continued to carve out good chances for themselves, with Harvey heading over, Hook tipping over Bunn's free kick, Capone blazing a shot over.

The game turned on the 72nd minute introduction of sub Hasan Oktay. Harrow have a growing reputation for encouraging the opportunities for footballers 'from outside these shores'. Here one such took his chance with relish. Within three minutes of taking the pitch, OKTAY netted a brave near post diving header, when Xavier crossed from Nwaokolo's throw in. Four minutes later, Boro' skipper Mark Cooper was sent off for a second bookable offence, fouling Rattray, after he had previously been booked for a tackle on Bunn where Cooper clearly played the ball.

Three minutes after this, the hosts were down to 9 men, when John Hurlock was also sent off for a second caution, both handed out for foul tackles. Not content with having such an advantage in their search for an equaliser, Enfield found themselves reduced to 10 players, in the 84th minute! Flemming incredulously earned himself a red card, throwing the ball at Oktay after having earlier been yellow carded for not 'backing off' at a free kick! And the common perception is that directors know nothing!

What can you say about some players? A thrilling run by Oliver Lyons relieved some pressure on the home goal, then Rose crossed for Nikolaj Lund to force a fine close range save from John. Overall, fair minded fans would have said that Enfield deserved a replay at least, bearing in mind their possession of the ball during the game. It looked likely to finish that way, when Harvey's cross was only headed across the edge of the box by Lund, and BUNN drove in a crisp 90th minute shot to equalise.

However, two minutes later, another of Harrow's 'continental' subs came to his side's rescue, netting the winner. Pat Gavin laid the ball off to LUND as Boro' broke upfield and the Dane slammed his angled shot across goal and inside the far post. Brave runs by Protain and Lewis took the ball deep into Enfield territory as not even the spirit shown by McDonald could lift the Es again. So, it was into the warmth and conviviality of the clubhouse bars and the draw, which all were able to witness live on Sky TV. We knew we were number 62.

The players variously discussed their choices of opposition. Manager Eddie Stein said that he was happy for the players to have reached the 1st Round Proper, as good F A Cup run was one of his three aims for this season. The draw began , first match up, bated breath all round. George Best picked out number 47 Wycombe Wanderers ( currently 6th in Nationwide Division Two and 1-2 losers at home to Bristol City on the day ), Alan Mullery picked out number 62 - Harrow Borough!

Cheers rang around the bars - we had met Wycombe many times in our mutual Isthmian League days, and our only visit to Wycombe's new, flat, ground, had seen us win 2-1. Roll on November 18th! Northolt Park railway station may never have been so busy since the race track closed !

Harrow: Hook; Rose, Nwaokolo; Lewis, Cooper, Lyons; Roberts ( 12 Oktay 72 ), Hurlock, Gavin, Xavier ( 16 Protain 80 ), McCormack ( 17 Lund 77 ); subs 14 Duru,15 Williams.

Enfield: John; McDonald, Devereaux; Cooper, Morgan, Harvey; Allen ( 12 Brown 78 ), Rattray, Bunn, Capone, Flemming; subs, Hammatt, Morris, Watson, Gentle.

A Day In The Life of a Harrow Borough Fan