Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South . Saturday, April 20
Harrow Borough v Tiverton Town
The Rogers Family Stadium . 3pm
IN Leigh Robinson's first game as manager, Tiverton played out a goalless draw at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium with our hosts today. The teams were both at the wrong end of the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South table then, and that struggle to get to safety has intensified as the season has progressed.
Harrow have admirably tried to close the gap on their relegation rivals despite knowing that, for them to survive, they would need to keep winning and the teams around them would need to keep faltering. After Chesham defeated them to win the title on Easter Monday, a maximum points total of 45 points, with them taking every point from their remaining five fixtures, was all for which they could strive.
Three wins from three - against Salisbury, Parkway and Beaconsfield – has kept them alive. However, results this week, including our win against Winchester on Thursday, now means that a miracle would have to occur for them to beat the drop.
Former Chelsea academy player and Chesterfield winger Reece Mitchell has been a bright light during an often-difficult campaign, his 17 league goals suggesting a definite danger man; March signing Toby Nnadozie has also added something in recent weeks; and defender Reece Yorke is extremely experienced at this level, having played for Met Police, Beaconsfield and Chesham, and he is a mainstay of the Boro defence this term and captains the side.
Twenty-nine-year-old boss Jordan Berry was an Academy player with Plymouth Argyle in the early 2010s and may be familiar to a few Yellows who were at Home Park around that time. Berry was a player with Harrow before returning as the club’s manager this season. It has obviously been a challenging season for him and his players.
Tiverton can put themselves in a very strong position if they can secure victory in their final away game, with the conclusion of the season coming next weekend at home to Sholing.
Matt Britton limped off prior to half-time on Thursday and will be a doubt for this game, although River Allen will come into contention after serving his suspension.
Leigh Robinson’s side need to keep pushing for safety, although they cannot afford to take Harrow lightly - a team capable of beating play-off semi-finalists Salisbury away last Saturday should command respect.
Our destiny is still in our own hands.