Harrow Borough 0 – 0 Wealdstone
Harrow Borough
0 - 0
Wealdstone
Wealdstone endured a frustrating night against neighbours Harrow Borough on Wednesday as they had to settle for a share of the points against the Ryman League strugglers.
Despite showing great work rate and commitment, they were unable to find a way past a resilient Harrow backline who are desperate for points themselves as they look to avoid relegation. The result now leaves Stones four points off the playoffs with a game in hand, meaning they cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to gain a much coveted top five spot.
With the Wealdstone fans once again totally outnumbering and outsinging the home contingent at Earlsmead, they nearly saw their side fall behind with 12 minutes on the clock. Goalkeeper Ashlee Jones only half cleared a corner from Steve Ferguson with the loose ball falling to Wayne Walters who hit a fierce effort. His effort looked to be heading in only for Kurtney Brooks to find himself in the right place at the right time to block the ball on the line.
Another slip from Jones almost gifted Harrow a goal five minutes later as the loanee ‘keeper dropped a corner resulting in a goalmouth scramble which was eventually cleared by the covering Chris O’Leary.
After the shaky start the visitors then began to take control of proceedings. James Mulley showed great skill on 21 minutes to bring down the ball before releasing Richard Jolly who carried the ball into the box before cutting back onto his left foot and letting fly with an effort which Jamie Jackson did well to beat away for a corner.
Tommie Hoban then headed just wide from Kurtney Brooks’ free kick a few minutes later, before Jolly shot just the wrong side of the post after showing quick feet on the edge of the box to make room for himself.
A superb flowing move then almost created a goal seven minutes before the break. Jones picked out Pett with a ball from the back with the young midfielder bringing it down superbly before finding Richard Jolly. Jolly then threaded a great ball through to Mulley who fired just over from an acute angle off of his weaker left foot.
Much like the first half Wealdstone were slow starting the second and it took a good save from Jones to keep the scores level five minutes after the restart. Garry Jones let fly with a vicious 25 yard effort which was palmed round the post by the Stones stopper.
At the other end Jolly send a looping header goalwards following a corner which was fumbled onto the cross bar by Jackson who managed to gather at the second attempt.
James Mulley then looked like he was going to run clear on 65 minutes; however he was hauled down by Danny Leech with the Borough defender escaping with just a yellow card.
Tom Pett then spurned a good chance three minutes later as he blazed a shot wide when unmarked from a Lee Chappell corner.
Stones then opted to make three changes for the last ten minutes in a bid to grab that elusive goal with Scott Fitzgerald, Connor Smith and Peter Dean all entering the fray.
The closing stages were a tense affair as both sides looked to snatch all three points; however it was the home side that had the best chance late on with Tommie Hoban producing a great last ditch tackle to deny JonJo Bates as the substitute found himself through on goal.
All in all it was a very frustrating night for Stones who once again looked out of sorts, no doubt due in no small part to the recent fixture pile up. They must however pick themselves up yet again for Saturday’s vital encounter with 2nd placed and title challengers AFC Hornchurch, with 3 points being absolutely vital if they’re to keep their season alive.
Wealdstone: Jones, Hammond (Fitzgerald 74), Chappell (c), Hoban, Massey, Brooks, McCubbin, O’Leary (Smith 76), Mulley (Dean 80), Jolly, Pett. Subs not used: Cronin, Ahamed
By Stuart Warren
Steve Foster Match Pics HERE