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Harrow's
Stafford Connection
by Simon Grigor
Simon
Grigor Relives a Memorable Game at Stafford Rangers' Ground
 Harrow
have never played either of Stafford's two teams, Rangers or Town,
and yet their shared Marston Road ground is a source of very happy
memories for long-serving Borough fans.
For
it was there, in 1983, that it was the venue for the conclusion
of our FA Trophy Third Round tie with Barrow, a three-round saga
that was one of the most memorable occasions from our good form
of the early 1980s. Steve Emmanuel's penalty at Holker Street had
earned us a replay at Earlsmead.
There,
the visitors had taken an early lead, and worse had followed when
keeper Les Currell was sent off just before half-time. However,
Borough came out for the second half in determined mood, and equalised
when David Howell headed the ball down for George Duck to swivel
and shoot home. With Emmanuel performing valiantly between the posts,
we gave as good as we got for the remainder of the game and the
extra time that followed.
It
was settled that night that the second replay would take place at
a neutral ground, Stafford. Two coaches ran from Harrow, one leaving
at 3.30 and the other catering for those who could not get the afternoon
off work. The 3.30 reached Stafford at 6.20, at about the same time
as the Barrow contingent, and both sets of supporters (for a great
relationship had developed between the fans), adjourned to the nearby
'Rifle Volunteer', where a pint of Ansell's cost just 50p (note
the name - if it's still there - for a possible replay trip next
week).
Harrow
supporter Phyllis Furzer and Barrow fan Peter Steel got on so well
they married after meeting for the first time at the Harrow/Barrow
tie! We tore ourselves away from the cheap beer and walked to the
ground. There was no programme, allegedly because neither side had
supplied a team sheet, but this was but a small disappointment on
this exciting night. Barrow settled the better, and Currell soon
had to make a smart save from a snap-shot.
Harrow's
best chance of the half came on the half-hour, when Tony Knight's
work led to David Pearce firing over from 10 yards as keeper Thomas
came out quickly to his feet. Barrow's Gamble went close with a
run and shot just before half-time. Harrow started the second half
in better style, and Derek Doyle headed just over the bar. We took
the lead in the 48th minute. Doyle crossed from the left, the ball
was only half-cleared, Pearce controlled it and fired home from
12 yards.
Currell
had to make one good save before the second Borough goal arrived
in the 62nd minute. Mick Garrini won the ball and had a shot blocked.
The ball broke to Pearce who lashed it home from the edge of the
box. The Borough contingent went wild - it was too much for the
rattle that I'd taken to games for a dozen years, as the box section
broke off from the handle, flying across the terraces to the amusement
of all around.
Barrow
never looked like getting two goals back, and Harrow came nearest
to scoring another, when Pearce clipped a Doyle cross over the bar,
and Thomas saved at the feet of Emmanuel. There were jubilant scenes
at the final whistle, with Barrow keeper Thomas sportingly applauding
the Harrow fans, some of whom then did a 'swap' to return on the
team coach, and went into the Stafford clubhouse, remaining until
closing time.
The
players sang to the supporters, who responded likewise, and more
friendships were cemented with the good folk of Barrow and Stafford.
Ah, the joys of a Cup run! It's a long time ago now - perhaps the
Stafford connection can trigger off something in the new Millennium?
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