Harrow Preview

Wingate & Finchley travel to fellow London outfit, Harrow Borough in the opening Ryman League Cup fixture of the 2016-17 season. Keith Rowland’s side go into the game off the back of a superb 4-1 away win at Worthing FC and will be full of confidence going to Earlsmead. The Blues were knocked out in cruel fashion at the semi-final stage of this tournament last season, losing on penalties to Kingstonian FC with Rob Laney – a striker – in goal for the majority of the game due to an injury to Bobby Smith. The Blues beat Harlow Town at this stage of the tournament last year, courtesy of a Marc Weatherstone header. Tuesday’s tie is likely to be much tougher and the spice of a London derby will only add to the tough game in store. Harrow Borough go into the game two places, and one point, above Wingate – but all form goes out the window in cup games and derbies, meaning the tie is not one to miss! A 3-0 defeat at home to Needham Market on Saturday will provide motivation for Steve Baker’s side to put things right with a win against Wingate, wherein the hosts were out of the game before the half-time whistle had blown. Wingate welcome back Freddie Moncur, on loan from Leyton Orient, to the squad – and the midfielder impressed on his second debut for the side, scoring twice in Wingate’s win at Worthing. Ironically, Moncur’s only game for Rowland’s side last year was the semi-final game against Kingstonian, wherein he scored and got injured – returning back to Leyton Orient. Tuesday’s tie promises to be a cracker for numerous reasons and a win would give either side a huge boost going into their respective FA Cup Second Qualifying Round games on Saturday afternoon. By Nikhil Saglani