This Tuesday night I headed to the Elmbridge Sports Hub to watch Walton Casuals take on Harrow Borough in a league cup fixture. My first of two stags matches this week. Going into this game the visitors are on a seven-win streak, including a fantastic run In the FA Cup. Chelmsford City await them in the next round. Former Reds players Mitchel Gough, Josh Andrews and Jordan Ireland will have been hopeful of ending their guest fine form. However, before kick-off I learned that Jordan and Mitchel are out for a prolonged period due to injury. Wishing both players all the best for their recoveries. Our host lost their second round qualifying tie to Hampton and Richmond Borough in their last outing, therefore making this an important game for them.
Starting with a bang was Harrow Borough who applied immediate pressure to their opponents. New addition Deji looked lively on the wing, and managed to beat his full back repeatedly. Sadly, not creating a goal for the guest. Walton matched that energy on the opposite side, putting Borough defenders in trouble. Adam Liddle gave the home side the lead in the 29th minute. On loan Fulham keeper Jacob Adams kicked the ball up the field, before landing in the player’s patch. Goal against the run of play. Red heads dropping quickly. Neither side managed to create any chances of note after that, both realising the unimportance of this match. Pointless competition to say the least. The main set of entertainment in this period came from the stags’ supporters behind the goal. Flags and drums trying to motivate their side.
When half time arrived, the match was very flat. Harrow Borough started well, but died off after the fifteenth minute. Questions of fatigue can be raised. No need to be playing this fixture. Walton casuals managed to work well as a team, having chosen to go full strength tonight. Casuals Manager could be heard from all sides of the ground. Once more the second half of football didn’t seem to entertain spectators, neither side standing out. Walton had the better of the chances it had to be said. Former reds player Josh Andrews continued his domination on the right side, pocketing borough players in numbers. Never should have let him go. Access to the box was denied time and time again by the pacey wingback. Our host grabbed a second goal this evening, something that the travelling support expected. With thirty minutes to go there was no hope for Harrow. James Ewington came on for Lekan Orimoulusi and had an instant impact. As he always does. However, the former Walton forward was not able to get himself on to the scoresheet till the 87th minute. our prolific attacker found the net with a bobbled effort, which would be seen as his least impressive finish of the season. Definitely capable of playing in the football league. Full time could not have come soon enough for those of a harrow persuasion. A game we are glad is over, and out of the way.
In conclusion Harrow Borough are out of the Southern League Cup. Not that they were interested in it anyway, a glorified training session you could say. One that cost fans an expensive fee to watch. On a positive note, it was good to see second choice players get minutes under their belts. Some who may be useful later on in the season. Attention returns to the FA Cup run and league campaign after tonight’s fixture. Personally glad to be out of these useless tournaments…
Comments