Ahead of the new Southern League Premier Division South season Harrow Borough began their final run of pre-season friendlies with a fixture against Hampton and Richmond Borough. The two sides were scheduled to meet in the Middlesex County Cup last time out, however this was cancelled due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus 19 pandemic that still affects the world to this day. Before this game the Reds lost to Bracknell Town on Saturday. After the bevers draw against Merstham they announced the signing of then trialist Jorome Slew who went straight into their squad for this evening’s encounter. Who has featured for Sheffield United.
The first half saw our guest play against a very inviting Borough side. Defensively weak in positioning and approaching the ball as it was pulled towards our goal. Hampton and Richmond demonstrated their quality through the ability to find space, whatever third of the field they were in. Excellent guidance from the manager could be heard throughout the period. Chances followed in the plenty for the bevers. Hampton was able to take the lead at Earlsmead with a wonderful strike from Jake Gray. Very good ball control and dribbling left the keeper no change of stopping that going in the top corner. Home players heads dropped as a result of this and tempers began to rise again. Just like previous outings this pre-season. Young captain Ben Tricker managed to prevent this from escalating by showing fantastic leadership from the heart of defence. David Fisher then found the visitors second goal of the evening. This was a very lucky shot that crawled into the net after an error from the Borough defence. Here we go again.
Fans were left Disappointed once more going into the break. Worrying signs for reds supporters with very little time left before the season starts against Yate Town, not to mention the range of cup competitions Harrow will be part of this year. However, coming out for the second period the home side looked inspired, which was a welcomed sign. Steve Baker has worked his magic once again. During the play Borough looked a lot more expansive and interested in taking the ball forward. Playing accurate passes, and breaking down the guest defensive line with easy. Free flowing football. After this Harrow created a path back into the game thanks to a goal from midfielder David. The game seemed to even itself out for a stage of time leaving both teams battling for the next goal of the afternoon. Harrow managed to get this when they equalised very late on in the fixture, a perfectly hit ball into the box which was found by the Reds player Mansfield. What a game this had turned out to Be!
In conclusion a very enjoyable game end at Earlsmead. Both sides put in a good shift in this fixture, which proved to be extremely competitive in the final ten minutes. Would like to take this chance to wish Jordan Ireland all the best for the rest of his career, after finding out today that he has moved on to Walton Casuals. They are lucky to have him!
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