An early shock!

With pre-season coming to a close against Barnet on Tuesday Harrow Borough returned to league action this afternoon. Hopeful that they will be able to complete this year’s competition. First up at Earlsmead Stadium is Yate Town, who made the trip to the capital from the west country. During the Bluebells friendlies they picked up a dramatic win against Welsh side Risca United but lost to Forrest Green Rovers. Going into this game Steve Baker made changes to his squad, bringing in five signings.

Alfie Cain also re-joined the club during, giving him time to settle back into his former home. Through his period away the midfielder featured for local sides such as North Greenford United and Hanwell Town in the Isthmian League South. Leading up to this weekend’s season opener I spoke to Alfie about his thoughts going into the fixture. When asked ‘Now you’ve returned to Harrow after a few years away, what are your thoughts going into a season of southern league football?’ He replied ‘It’s been a mixed pre-season in terms of results and although we lost to Barnet on Tuesday night, I think we actually ended pre-season quite strongly. Pre-season was always going to be tricky due to the squad being changed and new players coming in and out. Now we’ve settled and Bakes is happy I believer can do well this season. It’s a talented squad’

Yate Town began the first half by kicking off towards the clubhouse end of the stadium. From the very start it was clear to see the travelling side had prepared well for this fixture, not allowing Harrow Borough to create a string of passes. The host struggled to find their feet in this period. New addition Ahmet Biler seemed massively out of his depth at this level. Forwards James Ewington and Ayodeji Owoeye looked inspired so far during this game, finding the ends of long balls played by their teammates behind them. Also helping the Borough get a grip of the game was long serving midfielder Lewis Cole. A credit to the club. Special mention goes to George Moore for his efforts in the match, having to fix errors made by the defensive line. Half time arrived for the first time this season, a very dull first half at Earlsmead stadium to begin the campaign. Harrow defenders held firm to keep a clean sheet considering the woeful performances. Captain Ben Tricker cannot come back soon enough. Our visitors attacking line showed their class in the initial exchanges, improvements needed in other areas of the field to prevent a disaster this season.

In the second period the Bluebells were awarded a penalty. Dave Burgess took a tumble to try and find a way to break the deadlock in South Harrow. Stepping up to take it was Joe Tumelty, who saw his effort saved by new keeper Damian Las. However, it was not long after where Yate managed to find their first of the afternoon. Ricardo Rees puts the guest ahead, taking the ball into the final third before finishing in the top corner. Harrow Borough managed to find an equaliser against the run of play with a goal from David Taylor. A cross into the box that was found by the defender. Back in it! The joy did not last long for home supporters as Yate found a way to put themselves back in front. Ricardo Rees gets his second thanks to a lucky rebound after a save from the keeper. Has anyone seen Boroughs number one Dan Lincoln?

In conclusion the first league fixture of the season ends in defeat for the borough. A well drilled Yate team came to London, and will left with all 3 points. Not a competition at all overall. Ricardo Rees was excellent all afternoon for the guest, one to consider for top scorer in the league. Remember that name!