Overview

After three successive league defeats, Brentwood gained a valuable three points against a Haringey Borough side that began the day as the only unbeaten team in the entire Bostik League.

Blues’ Alfie Hilton had a chance with just a minute gone but his left foot shot was easily dealt with by Borough keeper Austin Byfield.

Ralston Gabriel had some good chances for the visitors in the opening stages and it was against the run of play when Blues took the lead in the 24th minute, Matt Price scoring from the penalty spot after Brad Hunter had been fouled.

Hunter then had to leave the field with an injury four minutes later, Shomari Barnwell replacing him up front.

Brentwood kept their lead until half time thanks to two good saves by keeper Anthony Page from Rakim Richards and David Olufemi.

Brentwood improved after the break and were well worth their win in the end. Centre back Harry Gibbs set up the second goal in the 59th minute, first by winning a tackle deep in his own half and then finding a pass to put Barnwell through. Barnwell showed his quality by rounding Byfield and firing home despite the presence of two covering defenders.

Haringey battled hard to maintain their unbeaten record, but the Blues defence was in top form with Gibbs outstanding, and it was Brentwood who often looked likely to increase their lead. The pace of Barnwell caused the visitors problems and Alfie Hilton was denied a goal by Byfield’s save.

The three points moved Brentwood up one place in Bostik North to nineteenth.