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 Two
goals from Mark Xavier in the first 20 minutes gave Harrow the three
points from this fixture played on Tuesday evening after being rained
off last Saturday. Played in front of what must have been Slough's
smallest league gate for many years, it would appear both clubs
were anxious to get the game out of the way before Saturday's Trophy
fixtures - even if this meant no publicity.
Boro's
first goal came in the ninth minute after some dreadful defending
by Slough. David Hook's long kick was miscued by Daly and then inexplicably
dropped by goalkeeper Steve Mautone who might have had one eye on
the challenging Xavier. The Boro striker's persistence was rewarded
with a tap-in from two yards.
Boro's
second came after 20 minutes when Dwayne Lewis' long ball to the
corner flag seemed to be drifting out of play but was won by Otis
Roberts and his pin-point cross was met by the unmarked Xavier who
casually nodded the ball beyond Mautone for his eleventh goal of
the season. The Rebel's defenders seemed scattered to all parts
of their own half.
This
scoreline scarcely reflected play but the prolific Xavier is not
one to look gift horses in the mouth. If Slough looked inept at
the back their attack was lively with Hall and Rainford creating
chances. David Hook twice made outstanding saves, first to keep
out a low 20 yarder from Holsgrove and then saving with his legs
from Paul Coombs before the hosts pulled a goal back after 28 minutes
when new signing Steve Black headed in Dave Rainford's cross after
a good spell of pressure.
Pat
Gavin, twice, Roberts and Danny Nwaokolo went close for Boro who
went in at half time with a one goal advantage. Harrow started the
second half by dominating possession with Otis Roberts giving the
home defence major problems. A scintillating passing movement involving
Roberts, Derek Payne, Nicolaj Lund and Pat Gavin set Andy Rose free
in the penalty area but what might have been goal of the season
was wasted when the defender got too excited and blazed well over
the bar. Mautone twice foiled Xavier after the striker had been
set up by Roberts and when Exxie looked certain to make his hat-trick
after turning a defender he beat the keeper with a curling cross
shot but the ball drifted just wide.
Slough
gave Boro's defence some problems from set pieces and Steve Daly
and Paul Coombs headed over the bar from good positions. Lee Archer
was finding room down the Boro right and he looked the most likely
source of an equaliser. Mark Cooper twice dispossessed Coombs when
the former Purfleet striker threatened and Hook made fine saves
from Hall as Slough pressed for the equaliser. But the Rebels' creaking
defence always looked vulnerable and the surprise was that Boro
did not add to their tally after 20 minutes.
Despite
a strong squad - depleted by injuries it must be said - Slough have
now won just one League game in their last thirteen. Boro have lost
one in the last ten. For Boro it was good to see skipper Mark Cooper
continue his good form of Wycombe. He was ably assisted by Danny
Nwaokolo enjoying a return to one of his old clubs and Emond Protain
who again impressed with his confidence and calmness on the ball.
Nikolaj
Lund and veteran Derek Payne look like creating a real power base
in midfield with Otis Roberts, at times looking the classiest player
on the pitch. Dwayne Lewis continues to amaze by finding the breath
to keep running while continually cajoling or encouraging his colleagues.
Pat Gavin had to earn his pay against physically strong defenders
who seemed happiest with the ball in the air. This win is further
confirmation that Boro are going to give any side in the League
problems.
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