On a swelteringly hot summer’s afternoon, Harborough Town took centre stage in their first league match of the season against Cogenhoe United, who had already claimed victory in their opener away to Wellingborough Whitworth with a comfortable 3-0 scoreline. The pitch looked in immaculate condition and had been well doused with water prior to kick off. Chairman of Harborough, Laurence Jones, claimed that he “would be happy with a draw” against opposition that have often proved awkward customers in previous encounters.
The opening exchanges of the game were somewhat scrappy, with both sides giving away possession and needless free kicks as they eased themselves into the match. However, Harborough managed to force the first glimmer of an opportunity after good work from Jordan Lever down the left hand side led to a low ball played in across the the 6 yard area only to be cut out by their centre back as Greg Usher came steaming in, attempting to apply the finishing touch.
Cogenhoe then made their first meaningful venture forward through their number 11 on the left hand side. He then proceeded to lift the ball towards the back post where it was headed back towards the penalty spot to be headed goalwards by their number 10 and captain but was well blocked on the line by the Harborough defence.
A burst of pace then saw Aaron Preston released through at the other end, after latching onto a searching ball from midfield. Preston surged into the box but unfortunately pulled his effort narrowly wide of the target.
Cogenhoe were beginning to enjoy the lion’s share of possession but Ben Williams and Callum Milne were defending stoutly in the heart of defence, winning vital aerial duels time and time again. Cogenhoe were awarded a corner which was whipped in towards the near post where their number 10 was allowed a free run and header which he miss timed to let Harborough off the hook.
20 minutes had elapsed and the referee called for the scheduled water break to allow the players some much needed hydration on such an energy sapping day.
Soon after, number 10 was again in the limelight as he became the first player with his name in the referee’s notebook due to dissent following a late challenge on Alfie Harris.
As Cogenhoe sent waves of attacks forward, it was time for the young Tom Cocking to step up to the plate between the sticks as he pulled off a string of fine saves, displaying cat-like reflexes to tip a bullet of a header over the bar before saving smartly low to his right hand side.
Ben Williams was then left at the mercy of the referee’s decision after bringing down their forward who nipped in swiftly, midway into Harborough’s half, looking to break clear. Williams became the second player to enter the book and had to tread cautiously for the remainder of the 90 minutes.
Approaching the break, the Bees we’re finish the half strongly with a gorgeous sweeping switched pass from Milne that was flicked accurately off the head of Preston toward the intrepid Greg Usher who raced through but poked wide of the mark.
Half time was signalled by the referee to conclude an intriguing first 45 minutes with neither sides managing to break the deadlock.
Soon after the restart, Harborough were caught out after a well crafted move on the edge of the area was eventually offloaded to their skipper who unleashed a fierce strike into the bottom left corner. The score was 1-0 with 47 minutes on the clock.
Harborough seemed to compose themselves quickly after their rude awakening as they responded with a closely controlled dribble down the left hand side from Lever who worked the ball onto his right foot but dragged the ball wide.
Cogenhoe set themselves on the front foot once more with their rapid number 11 shifting smoothly through the gears before firing in a perilous cross that was competently palmed out of danger by Cocking.
Pernell Taylor-Jacob was then replaced by Daniel Forbes on the hour mark to add extra height and presence in the attacking third.
Harborough continued to chisel away at the Cogenhoe back line as they carved out a clear cut opportunity after a delightful combination between Usher and Henbury set up Daniel Forbes in front of goal but was thwarted by the feet of the goalkeeper.
Despite this misfortune, Harborough’s persistence paid off as Henbury floated in a high corner that was met by the majestic leap of Milne to plant the header home despite the endeavour of their man on the line. The score was 1-1 with 67 minutes gone and Harborough had clawed their way back into contention.
Another scheduled water break was called, giving both sets of players and management staff the opportunity to discuss how they were going to negotiate the closing minutes of this enthralling contest.
Shortly after, Usher was replaced by Zakaria Soumah Mohamed, fresh from scoring 2 goals in midweek, to instil some fresh attacking prowess up top. A very positive change to suggest that Harborough could sense a vulnerability amongst the Cogenhoe ranks and a victory was very much on the agenda.
However, a loose Harborough free kick was pounced upon by their number 8 in the centre of the park, who fed a precise pass through to their captain who rounded Cocking and slotted into the net with consummate ease. The score was 2-1 with 10 minutes left to play.
In the 87th minute, Callum Steer was substituted for Jamie Mastropierro in an effort to reignite Harborough’s spark. This very nearly paid dividends as Mastropierro showed great tenacity in midfield to retrieve the ball and play a sublime pass over the top to Preston. He then squared it into the path of Mohamed who was instantly smothered by the on rushing goalkeeper.
The game seemed to peter out in the closing moments with just a solid double-handed save to note from the impressive Cocking.
The game ended 2-1 to Cogenhoe with both teams showing great fight and desire to win and play exciting football. Harborough were certainly deserving of a share of the spoils but sadly came away empty handed against a very streetwise team. Not the start that Harborough were looking for but still plenty of positives to be taken into their next game away to Daventry, who will provide a very different set of challenges for the Bees.
-Match report by Harry Shephard
For the Cogenhoe’s side of the story & photos go to http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/cogenhoeutdfootballclub/teams/123281/match-centre/0-4042220
