Harrow, looking to snap a five-game losing streak in the league, attacked the clubhouse end in the first half. There was no real advantage kicking in either direction as the wind was gusty and swirling.
The hosts dominated possession early on, with Jethro Odumosu looking dangerous every time he received the ball. Harrow forced several corners in the opening five minutes, all of them frustratingly cleared by the first defender.
Odumosu won a free kick 25 yards from goal in the 13th minute. Referee Mr Wood chose to keep his notebook dry in his pocket when most were expecting a yellow card for Empochontsif after his cynical challenge. Mr Wood let a lot of things go throughout the game, allowing leeway for the conditions, which added to the spectacle of an old-fashioned game.
Keagan Cole curled the free kick over the wall, and there was genuine holding of breath in the main stand as it appeared destined to dip under the bar. The ball flew a few inches over, to the relief of Orlowski, the visiting custodian.
Harrow continued to dominate the game and deservedly went ahead in the 18th minute. A ball over the top was misjudged by Sutton’s Bertie Lloyd, and Odumosu, 12 yards from goal, smashed a half-volley past Orlowski to the delight of the Harrow faithful and his teammates. 1-0.
Sutton were finding it hard to create anything of note. Their first spell of pressure didn’t come until the 23rd minute, when a patient build-up of over twenty passes ended with Troy Walters’ cross from the left being hacked clear from inside the Harrow six-yard box.
Harrow could have done with a second goal to settle the nerves and should have doubled their lead in the 36th minute. Odumosu was brought down by Empochontsif close to the six-yard box for a penalty. Dernell Wynter took the spot kick and blasted the ball high over the bar. Jonny Wilkinson would have nodded in approval.
There were fears amongst the Boro faithful that this would come back to haunt them…
Harrow still pushed on as the first half neared its conclusion. Odumosu was constantly involved. His cross with the outside of his right foot was met by the leaping Wynter in the 44th minute, but Dernell was unable to keep his header down.
Half-time: 1-0.
The conditions hadn’t eased as the players emerged for the second half. Cole was one of the last Harrow players to emerge. The smart money was on him lasting another 15 minutes, but how wrong we all were.
Harrow got the important second goal in the 47th minute. Tyrese Osbourne, who had played against Harrow for Sutton Common back in September before moving to Harrow a few weeks later, has impressed the Harrow supporters with his athleticism and physicality in the Borough midfield since his arrival. Tyrese intercepted a clearance 30 yards from goal, played a one-two with Wynter on the edge of the Sutton area, before bursting past Empochontsif and finishing right-footed past Orlowski as the Harrow man began to fall away. A classy goal that was rightly celebrated with a little extra. 2-0.
The cushion of a second goal saw Harrow turn down the hob to a simmer—never a good idea. The best form of defence for this squad is to attack. Sutton had a great chance to get back in the game after 54 minutes, Kwatchey shooting over when well-positioned.
Harrow extended their lead in the 68th minute. Harry McCorkell collected the ball ten yards outside the Sutton area, right of centre. He ghosted past Empochontsif, who was unable to turn on the wet surface, before firing a beautiful left-foot shot low into the corner of the net from 18 yards. 3-0.
Any complacent thoughts that ran through the minds of the Harrow supporters were dispelled in the 71st minute. Ex-Harrow man Troy Walters pounced on a defensive mistake to score low to Andrew McCorkell’s left. 3-1. Game on, again. It was the second game in a row that a former Harrow player had scored against them.
Sutton sniffed a chance to get something from the game and pushed more players forward, while Harrow were content to play on the counter. Odumosu and Wynter battled to keep possession when balls came their way. Harrow stood firm at the back, with Cole marshalling the troops and organising at every set piece. Despite having the lion’s share of possession in the final 15 minutes, Sutton only forced Andrew McCorkell into one save, deep into stoppage time.
Full-time: 3-1.
Harrow:
1. Andrew McCorkell
2. Keegan Bloom
3. Bailey Lamb
4. Carl Stewart (©)
5. Stephan Langley
6. Keagan Cole
7. Mack Miskin
8. Harry McCorkell
9. Jethro Odumosu
10. Tyrese Osbourne
11. Dernell Wynter
Used Subs: Luke Ifil, Jordan Hamilton-Olise, and Deago Dunbar-Bonnie.
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.
