2s concede 2 in 2 mins to squander 2 points and draw 2-2

18 Nov 2013

A very good Harrow display was overshadowed by a sloppy two minutes, throwing away a 2-0 lead and some much needed points.

Harrow lined up with new boys Cyprian Owen Edmunds and Will Pridham in a strong team. Joe Bone was supporting the in-form Max Curry up front, with Will OE and Pridham providing a shield in front of the default back 5 or Chopra, Woolley, Jack OE, Maydon and Prichard.

Harrow had learnt from their 3-1 loss on the opening day of the season to the same side, and were more robust in the challenge, played it faster through the midfield, and marked the Forest talisman tightly. Having dominated possession and territory through Joe Bone's creativity in the first 25 mins, Harrow then did well to weather the pressure of a resurgent Forest, who had many set pieces but few clear cut opportunities.

Harrow went ahead just before the break with Max Curry continuing his best form for the club with another well taken goal having latched onto a Cyprian Owen Edmunds through ball.

Harrow went into the break at 1-0 and feeling confident. Alex Cater replaced Will OE at centre mid, and Anthony Beresford went up top, pushing Curry wide. Harrow played their best football set up in this way, dominating the chances, possession and showing high technical ability throughout. Owen Edmunds and Bone particularly showed some nice link up play, with combinations freeing Cyprian on the left to swing in some quality balls for Curry and Beresford. However, it was an ugly but effective set piece that put harrow 2-0 up, and from the most unlikely of sources. Cater listened to pre-match instructions and whipped in a curled free kick to the back post, which cannoned off a surprised Jack Orr-Ewing's chest and into the top corner.

Harrow were looking comfortable until Cater went off with cramp. Will OE replaced Maydon and Woolley came on to replace Cater. The shift broke concentration and Harrow were opened up by a good through ball, with Will and Jack OE unable to intercept, and the forest 11 slotting into an empty net having rounded Pritchard.

And 40 seconds later Harrow were shocked as the scores were levelled. Needing to be calm and robust, the kick off went back to Chopra at right back, whose misplaced pass went to the Forest centre mid. The playmaker slipped the ball to the striker, who finished with ease to level the scores.

Woolley nearly rescued the 3 points having expertly nodded the ball clear on goal, with his deft chip forcing an excellent retreating save from the forest stopper.

While 2-2 is a vast improvement on the 3-1 loss in October, it's a bitter pill to swallow given the nature of the last 10 mins.

Harrow go into the next fixture, home to whipping boys Winchester, needed 3 points to remain in contention for a promotion spot at the end of the season.