Harrow Borough out to get one over on rivals

Dec 24 2009 By Tim Edwards

HARROW Borough are ready to break Wealdstone’s dominance of the local derby when the rivals meet at Grosvenor Vale in Monday’s Ryman Premier Christmas cracker (3pm).

David Howell’s men have not beaten their arch-rivals since doing the double over them in the 2004/05 season, with Stones managing the feat the following season and last campaign.

The now traditional festive fixture has been a miserable one for Harrow, having been thumped 6-0 last year and 5-1 in 2007. However, Howell’s team forced Stones into an FA Trophy second qualifying round replay last month, which they lost 2-1 after the first game had ended 2-2.

Now the Borough boss feels the time has come for his players to enjoy some festive cheer at the expense of their playoff-chasing neighbours.

"Having played each other twice already this season we know a bit about them, just as they know a bit about us," he said.

"There was nothing between us in those games and we go into Monday’s match knowing we are capable of beating them. We feel we can go and give a better account of ourselves against them than we’ve done in the past."

Harrow, weather permitting, were aiming to extend their six-match unbeaten league run at Sutton United on Tuesday while Hendon are the visitors to Earlsmead on Boxing Day.

"At the moment the side I’ve got is playing very well," added Howell. "Our reserves are top of their league and it makes for an easy transition when they come into a team that isn’t doing so bad either. We’re a lot tougher mentally and have enough quality in the side. That can turn finely-balanced matches in our favour."