Report: Brian Walter

Rinse and repeat. For the second Tuesday in a row, Harrow exited a cup competition having only started playing once they were 2-0 down. This week’s defeat was at the hands of Binfield in the league cup – who had beaten Harrow 4-3 in the league game in Berkshire a couple of weeks ago.

It was a depleted Harrow squad, with only 4 substitutes named and one of those sat in the main stand throughout the game. Borough probed early on, forcing a couple of corners on the right. Bailey Lamb heading over from close range after one of these in the 8th minute. Javon Marquis was back in the starting line-up, playing in a holding midfield role in front of the 3 centre backs. Despite playing the holding role, it was Marquis who was involved in most of Harrow’s attacking threats in the first half. His energy and physicality in the tackle has been sorely missed.

Binfield were looking more comfortable in possession, without creating any clear cut opportunities until they took the lead in the 13th minute. In the league fixture a couple of weeks ago, Harrow scored 2 goals from corners. Both coming from their favoured routine of positioning nearly every outfield player inside the six yard. Binfield gave Harrow a taste of their own medicine for both their goals. A corner from the right into the crowded six yard box is not cleared. The ball dropped and is scrambled home from 3 yards by Dan Lewis, despite Tyler D’Cruz wheeling away and celebrating as though he had scored. 0-1.

There was no doubt that it was D’Cruz goal in the 24th minute. A corner from the left – with nearly every player inside the six yard box. No Harrow player attacks the ball and D’Cruz doesn’t have to move a muscle, heading the ball downwards into the net from 4 yards, despite the best attempts of Keegan Bloom on the line. 0-2.

Harrow looked disjointed as the half went on. When they did get into attacking positions the final pass was either delayed or inaccurate. The closest that Boro came to pulling a goal back was in the 34th minute when Fubler made a mess of Ifil’s 25 yard shot and came close to fumbling the ball into the net.

Half Time 0-2

After struggling in the first half, Harrow definitely improved in the second. In the 47th minute, good work from Marquis was followed by Joden Trickett’s through ball to set Jethro Odumosu free behind the Binfield defence. The visitors were able to force Jethro wide and crowded him out before a shot could be taken.

Dan Lewis shot just over the bar from 20 yards in the 58th minute. A goal that would have killed the game as a contest. Harrow then dominated the remaining half hour, creating numerous chances as the tempo and accuracy of their passing improved. Keegan Bloom was hacked down on the edge of the Binfield area in the 64th minute. Mr Casey deciding the offence was not worthy of a yellow card. Much to the surprise of everyone in the stand – including the Binfield contingent. Trickett had a shot well saved in the 74th minute and headed over from close range shortly afterwards, following good work on the left by Lamb and Mack Miskin. Addison Garnett headed over from a Miskin corner in the 80th minute as the Binfield goal lead a charmed life. Harry McCorkell dragged a shot wide of the post a minute later when well positioned. It was one of those nights when it appeared that Harrow wouldn’t have scored if they had played until midnight. Tyrese Osbourne’s right footed corner in the 84th minute gave Bailey Lamb a chance to make the last few minutes interesting. Bailey’s glancing header when unmarked was deflected wide for another corner.

The night was summed up in the last minute of added time. Harrow awarded a penalty after Keegan Bloom was fouled. Odumosu took the penalty right footed and placed his shot low and wide of Fubler’s left post.

Full Time 0-2.

A spirited second half performance can’t disguise the fact that Harrow (again) didn’t get into second gear until they were 2 goals down. Binfield looked more organised and solid in the first half. Whether that is down to Harrow being decimated by injuries and illness – resulting in square pegs in round holes, is open to debate. Several 7 day approaches have been made as Ben Bukowski looks to freshen up the squad with some new faces in time for Christmas.

Harrow are back at home to Westfield in the league this Saturday.

[bHarrow Borough:[/b] Andrew McCorkell ©, Keegan Blook, Bailey Lamb, Javon Marquis, Louis Udeh, Addison Garnett, Mack Miskin, Luke Ifil, Jethro Odumosu, Tyrese Osbourne, Joden Trickett.

Used Subs: Harry McCorkell on for Marquis 65 mins.
Unused Subs: Stephan Langley, Keagan Cole & Carl Stewart.
Yellow Cards: None

Binfield: Coleridge Fubler, Elijas Bagdonavicius, Jamie Hilton, Josh McMenemy, Jack Brewer, Dan Lewis ©, Razhir Smith-Jones, Connor Jeanes, Tyler D’Cruz, Remy Coddington, Rechan Esprit.

Used Subs: Wade Muttitt on for Coddington 16 mins. Kickie Dzimba on for D’Cruz 78 mins. Ethan Lindo on for Espirit 85 mins. Matt Tweed on for Smith-Jones 90 mins. Taylor Crook on for Jeanes 90 mins.
Yellow Cards: Jeanes 31 mins. Lewis 62 mins.

Referee: Joe Casey
Attendance: 75
Weather: Dry 54f