Walton & Hersham 2 Harrow Borough 2 First half goals by Nelson Kumah and Pat Gavin gave Boro a point in a scrappy opener to the Ryman League Premier Division programme.

Boro's line-up contained eight of the squad who finished last season. That included David Hook in goal who returned after a brief sojourn at Chesham.

With player-manager Alan Paris sidelined through suspension, Boro looked decidedly uneasy at the back early on and Walton went ahead after 11 minutes. Kenny Webster was caught in possession and Johnson's low cross was headed past Hook by Sayer.

This seemed to spur Boro on and Leon Latty laid on a good chance for Kumah but the striker's cross-shot went inches wide.

Boro finally drew level after after 25 minutes when Webster's clever free kick found Kumah eight yards out from goal and he turned confidently drove the ball low past Preddie.

Hook then bravely took the ball off Sayer after the home striker had been played through and Paul Aldophe made a last ditch tackle on Holloway on the Boro six yard line.

Boro then took the lead on 38 minutes when Gavin soared above the home defence to head in Frank McCormack's corner.

Despite the three goals the quality of football in the first half was disappointing and the goals were more a reflection of defensive frailties than creative ability.

Walton started the second half strongly and Hook brilliantly turned Johnson's drive over the bar before the visitors were lucky to escape when Sayer blasted wide when well placed.

At the other end the home side had their share of good fortune when Preddie's kick was blocked by Kumah and Gavin could only send the rebound too close to the keeper.

Walton, who at times were over physical, were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute after Johnson body-checked Danny Nwaokolo.

Boro produced their best passing of the game at this stage and after a clever build up down the left Gavin pulled his shot just wide.

As so often, a side down to 10 men seems to find inspiration and Walton continued to push forward before equalising after 80 minutes. Pickett completely missed his kick following a corner and this wrong footed the Boro defence to alow Elverson in to score.

Boro finished strongly but were unable to put Preddie under real pressure. Overall their passing was below par and they tended to give the ball away too easily.

Jeremy Lord caught the eye in midfield and after a hesitant start Kenny Webster made a strong contribution in the heart of Boro's defence.

Manager Alan Paris will be pleased with the away point but he will be looking for an improvement in overall performance.

HARROW BOROUGH: Hook, Adolphe, Nwaokolo, Webster, Coleman, Lord, Bates, Latty, Gavin, Kumah, McCormack (Brown, 81). Subs not used: Mutch, Gerrard.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.