Harrow Borough 3, Basingstoke Town 3

ONCE AGAIN, a ridiculous amount of injury time cost Basingstoke a result in their match against Harrow at Earlsmead on Saturday.

Despite Town's early 1pm kick-off, England had started their match with Sweden when, with the clock reading 106 minutes, Harrow were awarded a penalty and a lifeline.

Don Forbes was harshly penalised as ball struck hand in his last-ditch attempt at a block, and the 31-year-old was sent off before Daren Bloor despatched it to make it 3-3.

But the game was marred by an awful performance by the referee as both teams finished with 10 men.

Setting his own agenda, he continually overlooked some horrendous off-the-ball challenges from Harrow players, despite booking five of them.

It set an aggressive, nasty tone that Town responded to by scoring three times in the second half to overturn a two-goal deficit.

The comeback contrasted with their first 45 minutes, with their current difficulty in converting chances again evident.

Richard Newbery had two great opportunites after ghosting in on crosses from Jason Eaton and Mike Davis, firing wide.

But, in the 39th minute, Boris Marivat broke free from Jason Bristow after both had fallen to the ground and scored past Scott Tarr with the aid of the far post.

It got worse when Mark Lisk was caught in possession 20 yards out by Pat Gavin, who was allowed to run freely and toe-poke past the advancing Tarr.

Newbery had another great chance in the 63rd minute following good work from Tim Sills, Eaton and Davis. Lurking at the back post, the 27-year-old had a shot blocked on the line.

But he made no mistake 12 minutes later. Sills flicked on a Toby Sumner long throw and Newbery was on hand to strike from eight yards.

It gave Town the confidence to fully attack Harrow and they equalised in the 83rd minute.

Newbery's fierce drive produced a great reflex save from Duncan Roberts. Looping into the air, however, Sills headed home from a tight angle.

Just two minutes later, Chris Honor volleyed home from 18 yards into the far corner after Lisk's corner wasn't properly cleared at the near post.

Shell-shocked, Harrow became increasingly physical before substitute Junior Hunter not before time was sent off for kicking out at Lisk.

The match then saw Harrow manager Ed Stein on the pitch, attempting to get Tarr dismissed after he flattened Godfrey Torto while attempting to foil a late Harrow chance.

When the whistle finally came, referee Wager left the pitch to some far-from-complimentary remarks.

Unable to believe what he had seen, Town boss Ernie Howe said afterwards: "It was a crazy performance. Why couldn't he get on top of the game? There were so many blatant fouls and incidents he just let go.

"Harrow are a side lacking in discipline.

"You can see why things kicked off the way they did when Aldershot came here.

"It was crazy. Lisky has been pole-axed by two players in our defensive third and he's played advantage. What advantage have we got there?

"Throughout the match the Harrow players left their foot in. Wilko has a nasty gash over six inches long down his leg and is now doubtful for Tuesday.

"The penalty decision and sending off was harsh. Forbes instinctively went in to block and it hit his hand.

"If we had lost, it would have been Lisky who was criticised for his error, when we had nine chances to score in the first half.

"It's so annoying when we have these opportunities and don't hit the target.

"But, collectively, we have shown great character to come back from 2-0 down. Possibly it was due to putting Richard Newbery in midfield.

"Chris Honor's strike was superb. If the referee had stamped down, it wouldn't have got to the 106th minute and we'd have won 3-2.

"It's very frustrating when officials cost you results."

Harrow Borough: Duncan Roberts, Richard Clarke, Adam Everitt, Daren Bloor, Aidan O'Brien, Carl Levene (Sub Godfrey Torto 76 mins), Daniel Dyer, Phil Gridelet (sub Junior Hunter 65 mins), Pat Gavin, Boris Marivat, Leon Woodruffe. Not used: Emond Protain.

Basingstoke Town: Scott Tarr, Chris Honor, Don Forbes, Jason Bristow, Paul Wilkinson (sub Jimmy Fraser 95 mins), Mark Lisk, Toby Sumner, Richard Newbery, Jason Eaton, Tim Sills, Mike Davis (sub Simon Herbert 65 mins). Not used: Lee Chudy.

Town are in action tomorrow (13/11) when second-place Gravesend and Northfleet are the visitors to the Camrose, kick-off 7.45pm.