Harrow began their first season outside of step 3 since the 1970s with ten players making their first team debut – after Ben Bukowski took the reins during the summer.
Only the popular James Gurteen remained from the squad that had finished second bottom of the Southern League premier division South. On a warm afternoon, both teams appeared cautious with chances at a premium. Harrow forced a couple of early corners, but they came to nothing due to poor delivery. The game came to life in dramatic fashion in first-half stoppage time.
Harrow’s Leo Sery went down under challenge inside the Ashford half. The referee awarded a free kick to Ashford for obstruction as the Harrow man still had the ball trapped between his feet. Ashford’s Jake King was still nibbling at the ball with little kicks, which resulted in minor handbags taking place, with half a dozen players from each side involved.
After consulting his assistants for an eternity, Mr Wigginton decided to show Harrow’s Jeremiah Luwero a straight red and caution the visitors’ Jake King. A decision that the referee assessor in the stand thought was wrong – as he saw nothing worthy of a red card take place. HT 0-0.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, it was Harrow who took the lead in the 49th minute. Luke Ifil crossed from the right-hand edge of the Ashford area. The ball deflected off a defender and into the path of Leo Sery, who headed the ball home from 6 yards out. Harrow’s task was made even more difficult in the 57th minute when they were reduced to 9 men. Ashford’s Jack Arnold chased a long ball behind the Harrow defence. Andrew McCorkell, the home custodian, rushed from his area in an attempt to clear the danger. He was never going to get to the ball before Arnold or Deago Dunbar-Bonnie, the Harrow wing-back.
Arnold toed the ball past the Harrow keeper, and before he could finish into an empty net, he was bundled over by Dunbar-Bonnie. 100% a red card. However, after consulting with his assistant for an extended period, Mr Wigginton decided to send off the Harrow keeper instead. James Gurteen took over in goal with over half an hour left on the clock.
The 9 men of Harrow were cheered in every tackle. Applauded when a header was won and, in fact, came close to extending their lead when Addison Garnett nearly capped a fine debut with a goal.
Heading just wide of the right post after a cross from the left in the 71st minute. Gurteen made a great save with his legs from close range in the 76th minute. The rebound blasted over the clubhouse by a visiting forward. As the game entered its final stages, Sery, Bloom, and Dunbar-Bonnie all gave the home side respite with lung-busting runs with the ball from deep inside the Harrow half to deep inside enemy territory. In the 4th minute of stoppage time, it appeared that their efforts would be in vain.
Aaron McLeish heading past Gurteen from close range. Thankfully, the offside flag was raised, and the goal chalked off. Harrow still had to withstand another 7 minutes of pressure. Langley and Garnett both throwing themselves in front of loose balls in the Harrow area. Finally, after 101 minutes, Mr Wigginton brought the game to an end. Harrow had played 43 minutes with 9 men and still found a way to hold on. The 9 men of Harrow collapsed to the floor in exhaustion before getting back to their feet to hug each other in celebration.
The spirit, effort, and commitment shown by those in a red shirt today has already endeared them to the loyal Harrow fanbase. James Gurteen won the supporters’ Man of the Match for his heroics in goal – the second straight league game that he has ended up wearing the gloves for Harrow.
Harrow Borough
- Andrew McCorkell ©
- Javon Marquis
- Deago Dunbar-Bonnie
- Addison Garnett
- Stephan Langley
- James Gurteen
- Jeremiah Luwero
- Harry McCorkell
- Jethro Odumosu
- Leo Sery
- Jordan Hamilton-Olise
Subs.
10. Keegan Bloom (on for Odumoso 72 mins)
14. Kunle Otudeko
15. Luke Ifil (on for Hamilton-Olise 46 mins)
16. Mack Miskin (on for Marquis 46 mins)
17. Dan Williams (on for Sery 90 mins)
Brian Walter is a sports writer and former contributor to Harrow Online who specialised in covering Harrow Borough FC. His articles included full match reports, live coverage and analysis of games, providing supporters with detailed updates from across the club’s league and cup campaigns.
