Harrowby United 2
Law (50 pen)
Eisa (88)
Heanor Town 0
 
Heanor were unable to translate their home form momentum to their travels, as they slipped to defeat at the Fruehauf Stadium against Harrowby United.

Two second half goals clinched victory for the Arrows as Heanor struggled to come to terms with a swirling wind and a dry bouncy pitch, which made if difficult to play any flowing football.

Heanor began the brighter of the two sides, winning some early corners and in the 14th minute, Josh Carter ran unmarked through the middle. However, with the wind behind the Lions, the ball just ran on, allowing Adebowale in the Harrowby net, to clear the danger.

The Lions were forced into an early substitution as Millen Sheena challenged for the ball near the touchline. Unfortunately, his foul earned him a caution as he limped off the pitch to be replaced by last week’s goalscorer, Yasuto Ohmura.

The first half was short on goalmouth action, as Heanor had a couple of half chances they couldn’t keep on target.

Just as the half was drifting to an end, Harrowby mounted their first real challenge on goal, as an Arrows’ striker found himself just six yards out with the goal at his mercy. His strike was superbly blocked by Alex Britton, who flung himself in front of the ball.

Playing into the wind, in the second half, Heanor brought on Josh Newnham at the break for Darragh Walsh, which meant a reorganisation in the defensive line. Newnham’s first contribution proved pivotal, however, as a coming together with Harrowby winger, Bult, resulted in the referee pointing to the spot. It was certainly a soft penalty to give away, but Calum Law made no mistake, placing a firm shot to the right of Sykes.

The two teams then traded free kick opportunities, Josh Carter’s strike just flying past the post after 68 minutes. Harrowby responded six minutes later, as Sam Brown (who was also cautioned) committed a foul 30 yards from goal. With the wind behind it, Harrowby’s free kick struck the crossbar.

Heanor pushed forward in the last ten minutes looking for an equaliser, and came close when a cross from Josh Carter, just evaded his brother, Liam Carter, in the centre.

The conditions played their final trick in the 88th minute, however, as Sykes took a free kick from near the corner flag. The gale held the ball up and it fell to Eisa, who chipped home from 30 yards, as Sykes was unable to recover.

A disappointing result for the Lions, who will hope to improve their away form on Easter Monday as they travel to Belper United.