Sharpness 2 vs 1 Harrow Hill

Before Sharpness entertained Harrow Hill on Saturday, they held a minute silence for ex player Winston Armstrong who was a member of the successful team during the 50's. This was Sharpness' first home game since being beaten by fellow Foresters Ruardean Hill over a month ago.

The conditions did not help either side but it was Sharpness who seemed to cope better although their final ball wasn't helped by the strong wind. The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute when Greg Penlington picked up the ball in midfield and sent a dissecting pass through the visitors defence to the wide open Matt Gardner. He took a great first touch drawing a foul from the defender inside the box and Ben John stepped up and easily converted the resulting spot kick. There were few chances for either side after this and the first half ended 1-0.

The second half started brightly and with the strong wind now in their faces Sharpness started to use this effectively by method of counter attacks. After another quick break Matt Gardner charged into the box only to be felled again but this time Ben John unfortunately missed the resulting penalty. This seemed to give Harrow Hill renewed hope and they put the Sharpness defence under enormous pressure but they held firm. Then against the run of play Harry Aldridge picked up the ball inside his own half and ran 20 yards before laying the ball off to Frankham. He delivered a great cross into Ben John who headed goal wards forcing the keeper into a great save only to parry the ball into Matt Gardner's path who slotted the ball home. With 60 minutes gone Phil Orsborn welcomed back experienced midfielder and talisman Tom Paterson after a 4 month injury lay off. Harrow Hill rallied and did manage to pull one goal back through a superb direct free kick from the edge of the box but Sharpness held on for a well deserved victory and lots of positives to take into the game away to Cam on Saturday