ON A bitterly cold afternoon at Earlsmead, Harrow did little to warm their supporters with a listless display on Saturday. It wasnt until the last five minutes that Harrow had some attempts on target, but it was then far too little, far too late, writes Simon Grigor.

After an impeccably-observed minutes silence for the late Jim Rogers, Purfleet were quick out of the blocks. Matthew Ferguson made three fine saves in the first six minutes, from Akurang's free-header, Kandol's header that was destined for the corner of the net, and at Keelings feet.

It was no surprise when the Essex men took the lead after 20 minutes. Keeling juggled the ball past Dean Marney and lashed it across Ferguson into the net.

Robert Charles had an effort just past the post, but with the strong wind at their backs, the visitors ran the first half, and Allen was close to doubling the lead with a shot saved by Ferguson.

With the advantage of the wind, Borough started the second half with a Pat Gavin header that took an alert header from Maxwell to keep away from the inrushing Clemente Lopez. But the killer second goal arrived after 58 minutes, Kandol outjumping Adam Everitt to head a left-wing cross over Ferguson.

The game then entered a very dull period, with little happening at either end. Kandol broke through and shot wide for the visitors with five minutes to go, and this seemed to wake Borough from their lethargy. Harvey turned round James Osborns 25-yard free-kick, and then made a great double save from Osborn and Brian Haule.

On the stroke of ninety minutes, Eseyas Yhdego lifted a clever pass to Robert Charles, who chested the ball down and fired past Harvey.

Three minutes into stoppage time, Marney chased a Purfleet forward who was offside but who tried to waste time by holding onto the ball. Marney lashed out with his foot, and was red-carded by referee Scholes, but why was the Purfleet forward not booked for his part in the proceedings?