Harrowby United beat Lutterworth Athletic in the United Counties League
An injury-time penalty from Max Baker helped Harrowby end a run of three successive defeats with victory at Lutterworth Athletic in Saturday's United Counties League clash.
Baker converted a last-gasp spot kick as the Arrows returned with a 2-1 away win in the Division One match to avenge a defeat by Athletic from earlier in the season and keep their play-off hopes alive.
They had travelled to Leicestershire without a recognised forward with top scorer Harry Allcock and Lord Marfo both out injured.
Taylor Gray and Charlie Hart started out in attack while Liam Harper made his first start of the season in what was expected to be a tough afternoon on Lutterworth's new 4G pitch.
A tentative start from both teams saw Harrowby having the lion's share of possession but, with a lack of pace, they struggled to penetrate in behind the well-drilled Lutterworth defence.
This led to Lutterworth taking the lead with a fine run and cross from Brandon Beardmore ending with Barnes Gladman finishing well past Richard Stainsby to give the hosts the advantage at the break.
Max Baker and Kemal Yeniberitz were both introduced at the interval with Jon Smith being moved up front.
The Arrows' intensity was so much better from the start of the second half as they moved the ball well and started to create more chances.
Baker was influential in most of Harrowby's good play but, although most of the game was now virtually being played in the Lutterworth half, an equaliser continued to prove elusive.
However, with 13 minutes remaining, Harper hit a shot from the edge of the box and it took a lucky deflection before finding the back of the net to get Harrowby back on level terms with a well-deserved goal.
The Arrows now went looking for the winner they needed as Lutterworth defended in numbers to try to hold out for a point.
Substitute Kyle Reek hit the crossbar with a good header as it looked like Harrowby would not get the rewards for their second half showing.
However, with time virtually up, Smith went through only for the Lutterworth goalkeeper to bring him down in the area.
Baker picked the ball up and confidently sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot to the jubilation of the strong away support who doubled Lutterworth's crowd on the day.
The Arrows saw the last couple of minutes through for a very important win on the road where the impact of the substitutes made a massive difference in the second half.
Harrowby now face a midweek trip to Saffron Dynamo tomorrow night (Wednesday) before a home match with play-off chasing Birstall on Saturday.
