With cup match wins against Ramsgate and Hendon under their belt Harrow Borough return to Southern League fixtures. Currently sitting in the drop zone, the reds are keen to pick up points against the west country side this afternoon, having drawn to them last time out at Earlsmead. George Moore scoring that day. Nick McCootie secured the seagulls progression in the FA Cup with a late strike against Flackwell Heath at Wilks Park, confirming a game against taunton town in the next round. A club with very little respect for their opposition. Having spoken to Weston Super Mare manager Scott Bartlett ahead of the game, his thoughts on the fixture were ‘we are looking forward to the fixture, our games at Harrow are always entertaining and it’s another tough one for us on the road again. We have been in good form, and probably haven’t had the points total our performances have merited but I’m big and ugly enough to know that winning games is all the counts. I am optimistic for the season ahead and love working with the group we have put together but the games are all difficult and Harrow will be no different’.
Positively starting the first period Harrow Borough were on the front foot. James Ewington and George Moore working well together to advance up the pitch. Weston Super Mare also created chances early on, Bastin having a simple chance to put the guest ahead. But failed. Shooting from distance James Ewington got close again as he saw his shot just go over the bar. Dernell Wynter hit the post for the reds this afternoon, disappointingly not going in after a brilliant take on. Going into the break both sides were evenly matched. Harrow getting the closer of the two. Weston offered a threat up front, but could not handle Borough pressure at the back.
Getting the second half underway was an attack from a more motivated Super Mare side. New Harrow Borough keeper Josh Strizovic felt his first bit of southern league pressure in this outbreak, with plenty more coming during his months loan at the Middlesex club. Making the move from Dagenham & Redbridge. The host continued to run Weston ragged for the next period, leaving them very little time to rest between borough attempts. Visiting full backs unable to handle home players. Jagger Cane provided the west country side much needed relief after recovering from a 3 v 1 situation. Another brilliant save from the young Harrow keeper. Standing big in his goal Josh prevented this afternoon’s opener, just like he has done a few times this match. Will a youth call up from Serbia happen? Kunle Otudeko managed to break the deadlock in the dying minutes, giving Borough fans a reason to cheer. Plus, vital points. Purnell could not deal with the scramble in the box as shots kept flying his way.
In conclusion this was a back-and-forth game. Both teams had a few chances, but Harrow narrowly coming out on top. Very late on too. Weston performed below their expected level, with some players resorting to faking injuries to try and secure a point. Managing to con the poor-quality referee at Earlsmead. Thank you to Scott Bartlett once again for taking time to speak to me in the build-up for this game. Wishing you, and your team a safe journey home this evening. Will see you all again in the reverse fixture! All the best Weston Super Mare.
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