Harrowby United beat Asfordby in the United Counties League

Harrowby cemented their place in the United Counties League Division One play-off spots with a four-goal away success at Asfordby on Saturday.

Second half goals from Jack Gurney, Tom Harris, Lord Marfo and Lewis Marsh secured the win as the Arrows returned to action after a two-week lay-off.

They had made the short trip to Melton Mowbray expecting a tough test against a home side fighting for points at the other end of the table, writes Mark Fardell.

A cagey start to the game on a heavy pitch saw Harrowby create the first chance with Luke Peberdy sending a header off target.

Top scorer Harry Allcock then fired an effort wide while a hard-working Asfordby side gave the Arrows a couple of scares but Harrowby goalkeeper Richard Stainsby ensured the game remained goalless.

Harrowby's best chance of the first half saw the influential Max Baker tee up Gurney whose effort was well saved with the home goalkeeper also equal to Jon Smith's follow-up.

Harrowby came out for the second half straight on the offensive as the hosts started to struggle with the pace of the visitors.

And they needed just a minute to break the deadlock as a quality delivery from a corner by Gurney picked out Marsh who powered home his header.

The lead was doubled shortly after as a swift break found the tireless Allcock who played in Marfo to finish well.

Harrowby were now well on top but suffered a setback when Peberdy was sent off after collecting a second soft caution of the game.

It left the Arrows with 10 men for the final 30 minutes and Asfordby enjoyed a strong spell of pressure.

Stainsby produced a superb save and, although the hosts converted the rebound, it was ruled out for offside.

Harrowby then settled again and started playing some of their best football of the game with 10 men

Skipper Gurney was at the forefront of many of the attacks as the midfield started to take over.

Gurney then scored the goal of the game as he hit an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Harris, Kyle Reek and Brima Daramy then came on to freshen things up and it was Harris who scored his first goal for the club with Harrowby's fourth of the afternoon to cap a great team performance.

The victory keeps Harrowby well in the race for promotion ahead of their next match on Saturday when they welcome Rainworth Miners Welfare to the JRL Stadium.