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Harrowby United draw with Hucknall Town in the United Counties League




A controversial late penalty forced Harrowby United to settle for a share of the spoils in their home match with Hucknall Town on Saturday.

The visitors were awarded a contentious spot kick in injury-time which Niall Towle converted to cancel out Tom Harris' opener for the Arrows.

Harrowby had gone into the United Counties League Premier Division North clash buoyed by last week's four-goal home win over Wisbech Town.

Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper

Hucknall arrived at the JRL Brickwork Stadium as one of the in-form teams in the division of late with a five-match unbeaten which suggested a tough afternoon for Harrowby.

The home side suffered a double blow before the game with striker Harry Allcock missing due to illness and then skipper Kemal Yeniberitz pulled up injured in the warm-up.

Harrowby had been boosted by the return of Harris to their squad which also included new signing Sam Edgington from neighbours Grantham Town.

Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper

The game kicked off on a heavy surface with Harrowby having the best of the early exchanges. but, with chances at a premium, both defences were on top.

Lord Marfo had Harrowby's first chance as he raced clear of the Hucknall defence but couldn't get his shot off.

David Kolapo then had a good chance from a Kern Miller flick-on but his shot was put over the bar before he went off injured and was replaced by Elliot King.

Hucknall were always dangerous with the in-form Towle keeping the Harrowby defence on their toes but the hosts were well marshalled by skipper Lewis Marsh, Richard Kankam and Miller so goalkeeper Alex Smith was rarely troubled in the first half.

Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper
Action from Harrowby's home draw with Hucknall Town on Saturday. Photo: Steve Nesbitt @lincssnapper

Kankam was replaced at half-time due to injury with Harris making his return and he was straight into action by causing problems for the Hucknall defence.

Smith then made the first of two good saves as Hucknall looked to get the all-important first goal.

However, it was Harrowby who took the lead in the 73rd minute as Harris ran across the box before placing the ball over the keeper for a 1-0 lead.

The Arrows had a great chance to double their advantage when Marfo again got free but he opted to square the ball instead of shooting and the chance was missed.

Hucknall then grew into the game and a couple of changes seemed to galvanise them as they dominated the latter stages by pushing the Arrows' defence further back.

Just as it looked like the Arrows would hang on, a long throw-in into the box saw Miller adjudged to have pushed Towle and, to the astonishment of everybody including the Hucknall players who didn't appeal, a penalty was awarded.

Towle put the penalty away to draw the visitors level and they then had a great chance to win it when the goalscorer had a free header from a corner which he put wide of the post.

The draw on reflection of the game was probably about the right result but Harrowby will feel aggrieved to concede the late penalty.

They have now taken four points from the last two games as they look to finish the season strongly.

The Arrows are at home to Shirebrook on Saturday.



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