Late strike costs Magpies points (24.02.04)

THE Magpies travelled to Harrow on Tuesday night looking for another all important three points to increase their chances of finishing in the top 13.
But at the final whistle they had to settle for a share of the points after weathering an attack-minded Harrow team.
The game was played at a frantic pace, with both sides pushing forward as much as possible, and neither side looking willing to concede ground.
Harrow almost took the lead as early as the fifth minute but Brendan Gallen managed to block the effort.
But it was the Magpies who took the lead on 12 minutes after Joe Flack showed some good pace to attack the penalty box before being brought down by Marney.
The referee pointed to the spot, and Gallen placed the penalty kick high and wide of Karamoko for the first league goal Harrow had conceded in six matches.
The play switched from end to end, but despite some good attacking moves from both sides, scoring opportunities were few and far between.
Steve Hale enjoyed the best two opportunities for the visitors while Fitzsimmon saw his effort cleared off the line by Gallen.
Harrow introduced two substitutes at the break, and started the second half with three up front in an effort to get back into the game, but it was the Magpies who had the best chances.
Hale and Lawrence Yaku combined well again, but Yaku shot just wide, and a good passing movement finished with Craig Farley firing just over.
But as the half wore on, Harrow pressed forward constantly, and regularly tested the Magpies defence, but despite the pressure, Wilson had very little to do as Harrow failed to find the final touch needed.
The Magpies were left to hit on the break, and Yaku came close on a couple of occasions.
But the pressure finally paid off for the home team with just five minutes remaining.
Marney took a corner which was headed out by Andrew Dugdale, only for Dyer to hit it back for substitute Crosby to tuck the ball home with his first touch of the ball.
A draw was probably a fair result on the night, but such a robust game was not the best preparation for the very important FA Trophy game at Canvey.