ChromaSport United Counties League
Division One
Harrowby United 1
Bugbrooke St Michaels 2
Harrowby slipped to defeat by the odd goal in three against their visitors from Northamptonshire, Bugbrooke St Michaels.
The Arrows were caught cold when straight from the kick-off when a ball over the top left Harrowby appealing for offside, as Will Briscoe slotted the ball past Jack Drury in the home side’s goal. No flag was shown and the visitors were ahead with only 15 seconds on the clock.
Bugbrooke had the best of the first period and added a second after 19 minutes when Briscoe profited from an intended header back to Drury from Sam Hill that fell short and allowed to him finish with ease.
Ten minutes later, the Arrows were fortunate not to go further behind when Bugbrooke were awarded a penalty for handball against a prone Tom Vorley. Jamie Dolland’s spot kick rattled the crossbar and went over.
Liam Harper was unlucky when he headed a Sam Kirton free kick goalwards only for it to be saved by visiting custodian Steve Spruels.
Harrowby dominated the second half and were unlucky when Martin Wormall controlled the ball on his chest in the 49th minute before shooting inches over the bar.
After 53 minutes, Harrowby were given a penalty by referee Mr Dobbs when Lee Shaw was brought down as he advanced into the area. Wormall’s kick sent the keeper the wrong way only to for the ball to strike the foot of the right hand post and stay out.
Three minutes later, a Hill header from a corner was headed off the line by the Badgers’ Craig Hyde. Harrowby skipper Simon Bolland had a shot from distance saved by Spruels shortly before Harrowby pulled a goal back. Wormall latched on to a through-ball from Shaw and shot past the keeper for his 30th goal of the campaign with 64 minutes gone.
Harrowby pushed for an equaliser but solid defending and sound goalkeeping from Spruels kept them at bay. After 83 minutes, good work from Sam Weatherstone down the right saw him feed Shaw whose shot from a tight angle was parried out to substitute Jamie Preston. Spruels recovered to make it a double save from Preston’s follow-up shot.
Harrowby’s final chance came in stoppage time when a through-ball from Craig Wilson was taken off Harper’s foot as he was about to shoot with the goal at his mercy.
Harrowby man of the match was Sam Kirton.
Harrowby United: Drury, Sheridan (Weatherstone, 45), Vorley (Preston, 78), Hill, Whyley, Harper, Webb, Bolland (c), Kirton, Wormall, Shaw (Wilson, 85). Subs not used: Peberdy, Michiew.