On their fourth attempt. Harrow Borough finally hosted national league Halifax Town in the FA Trophy. Originally scheduled for Saturday 14th of January, but postponed a handful of times due to waterlogged pitches. The guest arriving at the step 3 stadium a coach decorated in Leeds Rhino designs.
Starting this evening’s affair. The host had the kick off, but it was the guest who created the first chance. Coming down the left-hand hide. Before switching flanks and putting pressure on the right. Brilliant Billy Leonard battling to get the ball back as it approached the centre circle. Sprinting at speed, Harrow headed into the final third, intercepted inches outside the box. Up the other end. Shaun Preddie popped the ball out for a throw. Whilst their opposition bobbled passing play around the borough back line. Remaining positive, the home side curled a free kick from the left. Causing a scramble in the box. Where they should have scored. Using a one two Halifax had space to open up their next opportunity. Whacking an attempt at the Reds keepers’ hands. With the match approaching its final exchanges of the first period. Shaymen took the lead, Rob Harker hitting home into the bottom corner. Giving them a much-needed boost against a team two leagues below.
Getting the second half underway. Harrow Borough got the game going. From a free kick, they advanced into the area. Being booted away by the visitors. Halting the play. The match was paused when James Taylor was taken off with injury. Replaced by youngster Keegan Bloom, who has been a bright spark since joining up with the first team squad. An excellent effort came close to giving the host a leveller. Earning a corner for their attempt. Darting off, the travelling team player created a diagonal run into the box. Blocked by the incredible Jacob Knightsbridge. Ramping up the pressure. Halifax had more and more of the ball. Taking a shot off target, the borough could have finished into the back of the net. A terrific hit heading narrowly astray. Getting the sides even. George Moore scored the most amazing free kick from miles out. Angled perfectly to be placed into the corner, flying past the perplexed keeper. Entering the last ten minutes. The match became end to end. Neither able to apply a finishing touch, taking tension across the ground through the roof. Harrow having the better of the chances. Increasing their margin. Shayman managed to score their second. Slipping a pass under the wall, landing at the wondering player, putting a low effort away. However. Today’s tie took a turn, George Moore getting his second. Slapping home, a rebound on ninety minutes. Sending the fixture to spot kicks. Stepping up first. Billy Leonard leathered his go at goal in, before the national league outfit came out on top in the end. Winning by six penalties to five. Against a team with less than a tenth of their budget.
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