Boro defences give way under Sutton's pressure

SUTTON UNITED 2 HARROW BOROUGH 1

For the third year running, Borough went into the last ten minutes of the game at Gander Green Lane, and for the third year running they saw the game snatched from their grasp, as the hosts scored two late goals to claim the points.

Harrow again went into the game without Darren Coleman, and he was joined on the injured list by Nelson Kumah.

Sutton had much of the early play, but it was Harrow who had the best early chance, when Ishmael Dodds sent Pat Gavin away in the inside-right channel after 25 minutes.

He hit a good low shot but home keeper Howells dived to tip the ball round the post. Simpson, three times, and Harlow went close for Sutton before Borough broke away to take the lead after 39 minutes.

Francis McCormack's pass sent Otis Roberts away on the right. He cut inside and hit a left-foot shot which was blocked. However, the ball broke to McCormack, whose 20-yarder bent round Howells and flew into the corner of the goal.

Before half-time, the home side again went close, notably in a scramble of headers, which was to prove a portent for the second half.

The second period saw heavy Sutton pressure as they strove for the equaliser. David Hook held Harford's shot, and then tipped away Akrour's header. Alan Paris made two fine interceptions and Salako hit a shot wide. On the break, McCormack fed Dodds who drove wide of goal, before Gavin and Adolphe set up McCormack for a shot that Howells dived to hold.

Back to Sutton. Harlow drove wide after John Kumar's poor clearance had been returned into the box, Talboys shot wide, and a mad scramble ended with the ball flying past the post.

Harrow's best chance to extend their lead came when Dodds was put clear but, instead of taking the ball on, he checked back and the opportunity was gone.

Hook saved Edwards' shot with his feet, and tipped away another effort, but he was finally beaten after 83 minutes when Simpson headed home Berry's cross. Two minutes later, Hook and Akrour went for a fifty-fifty ball through the middle. The two collided and the ball broke to a Sutton player who placed it in the net.

The referee's whistle had already sounded, however. The visiting fans hoped that it was for a foul on Hook, but, no, he pointed to the spot and booked the Borough keeper. Riley stepped forward to blast home the penalty.

Harrow can count themselves unlucky not to have returned with a point, but the home side were dominant for 75 per cent of the match.

The defence performed heroics but, while further upfield everyone gave their all, in an Alamo-like second half there were all too few occasions when the ball was held up to allow the defence some rest.

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