Virginia Water away!

Kicking off a very busy pre-season schedule in preparation for the 2021/22 Southern League Premier South campaign as well as a vast range of cup competitions, Harrow made the trip to Virginia Water FC. Following a handful of games leading up to this fixture Steve Bakers side went into the game knowing who will or will not be featuring for the Borough in the coming year. Key players returning from injuries such as Sam Gubbins, Frank Kieta and Kunle Otudeko were a much-welcomed addition to the squad providing the team depth in positions in what looks like a packed run coming up. The Timbers played host for this event giving red’s supporters a chance to visit a ground we have not been to in a long time. Having joined last season, but only featuring in friendlies, Middlesex cricketer and former Bognor Regis shot stopper Dan Lincoln begins his journey as the Harrow Borough number one after a string of constant change in that position. Honouree mention of England youth international and current Fulham keeper Luca Ashby Hammond who featured for the London side in that period. Also coming from Fulham in recent years is this season’s captain, Ben Tricker. Initially joining on loan, but later signing as a permanent player the young defender looks like a remarkable coupe by the Earlsmead club. A future Premier League player in the making. Virginia Water’s crest features the Prince of Wales logo due to having royal patronage, being the only team in England to do so. A unique aspect to a badge!

The first half began with Harrow Borough keeping the ball extremely well, passing it around successfully creating chances. Great team work from our wide players made attacking the opposition third very easy for the team in yellow tonight. Near the end of the initial period Harrow took the lead following a well delivered cross which was met by a player in the box before hitting the net. One nil to the visitors. Half time soon approached with the visitors dominating the fixture, a well-deserved lead. New signings seem to be impressing the spectators.

After the break both teams seemed evenly matched. A difficult battle in midfield left little room for any player to express themselves, until Kunle Otudeko broke free and charged towards the goal. Picking up the ball up from a distance many in the ground thought a pass was coming however the midfield magician had other ideas as he stroked the ball perfectly into the net. What a strike! As a result of this goal, it looked as if Harrow heads had dropped, creating a sense of over confidence from the Borough lads. Virginia Water managed to get themselves back into the fixture shortly before scoring again to equalise the game. Alarm bells started to ring. The tension began to build from the host more and more as they put the visitor’s keeper under constant pressure. All downhill from here for the Middlesex side. A third goal giving Virginia Water the lead seemed to be the nail in the coffin for most spectators, Harrow looking as if they had already given up. The final minutes saw the Yellows smack the ball against the woodwork right before the referee blew the whistle summarising the game for the travelling fans.

Overall a disappointing game from the beginning of the second half, improvements needed to be made before the competitive season kicks off. However positive from tonight’s exchanges can be seen in the form of more squad depth. With a few key players leaving at the end, it will take time to settle in for the new faces, and now they’ve got a string of pre-season games to do so.