Harrow Borough 2

Basingstoke Town 0

Harrow Borough achieved their first home Ryman League home win for more than three months, easing their fears of relegation from the Premier Division and plunging Basingstoke deeper into trouble.

Boro gave yet another newcomer his league debut. Darren Gorman, who joined from Midhurst, looked the part as a committed effort from all his new team-mates ensured a vital victory that lifted Harrow to the lofty heights of 11th place.

They'll be looking to repeat the improved form in Saturday's home game against another side deep in trouble, Bishop's Stortford.

On Tuesday, the swirling rain ony served to hinder ball control for both teams, with the severe elements proving a hindrance.

Basingstoke threatened in the early stages when it it needed a clearance by calm Kenny Webster from Carey's shot to avert danger, and Wilkinson wasted a chance.

Harrow struck back and Mark Xavier had a shot deflected wide, while Pat Gavin's header hit the unwitting Tydeman full in the face.

Both keepers excelled early in the second half, Basingstoke's Benstead diving to keep out Webster's swerving 30-yard shot, and the acrobatic Noel Imber keeping out Carey's drive.

Relieved Harrow went ahead in the 65th minute when an incisive free-kick from player-manager Alan Paris gave Gavin the opportunity to shoot home from the edge of the penalty area.

Gavin was replaced by Ian Rutherford in the 84th minute, and a minute later the substitute provided Xavier with the chance to score Boro's second goal to assured them of victory.

Rutherford headed the ball on and Xavier twisted and turned his way past three opponents before providing a clinical finish with a crisp shot.

HARROW BOROUGH: Imber, Ekoku, James, Gorman, Paris, Webster, McGarrell (Lord), Issott, Gavin (Rutherford), Xavier, Bates.

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