Oli Leslie insists Harmen have the ammunition to lift the Peter Morrison Trophy after strikes from James Gershfield and Sam Castle steered them into the last four at the expense of Premier Division rivals Neasden.
March 9, 2015 17:00
ByAnonymous, Anonymous
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL
NORTH WEST NEASDEN 1 HARMEN 2
Oli Leslie insists Harmen have the ammunition to lift the Peter Morrison Trophy after strikes from James Gershfield and Sam Castle steered them into the last four at the expense of Premier Division rivals Neasden.
This was never going to be an easy game, played on a sloping bobbly pitch but we looked comfortable throughout, according to Marsh.
As with the league game against Neasden, the hosts were constantly seeking Danny Sherman to hold the ball up for others and Harmen were able to counter that with Sam Castle and Jon Morris winning headers for fun at the back.
Concentration levels had to be high on this surface, with players from both teams mindful that one bobble can lead to a goal.
It was Harmen who opened the scoring after 33 minutes with top-scorer Gershfield picking the ball up 30 yards from goal and curling it with pinpoint accuracy over the keeper's head into the top left corner of the net.
The goal appeared to galvanise Neasden who were determined to get back on terms. They did so just six minutes later, showing great mental strength, with Adam Arnold latched on to a great through ball from man-of-the-match Dan Andrews to finish with half-time approaching.
Both teams enjoyed periods of pressure in the second half, but it was Harmen who scored the game's decisive third goal from a corner. A deep delivery found Jon Morris whose header hit Castle on the backside and crept over the line.
The was only one noteworthy chance thereafter, with the NWN keeper showing good agility to recover from a fumble in time to push Gershfield’s rebound wide of the post.
After the disappointment of crashing out of the CA cup, Harmen's management have rallied the players for the Morrison and they aim to win the cup while not jeopardising their league form.
They eagerly await the results from the final two quarter-final games and the subsequent draw for the semis.
Harmen joint-manager Oli Leslie told JC Sport: "The aim at the beginning of the season was to finish in the top four and win a cup and we are definitely on course in the league and the Morrison.
"We know that if we play to the best of our abilities then no-one will be able to halt our march to silverware. Bring on the semis!"
Neasden boss Stirling Kay told JC Sport: "I felt that we were the team who wanted it more and looked the most likely to go on in the second half. At the end off the game the players were gutted not to have won the game.
"I would like to wish Harmen all the best for the semi-final."
