Northern Senior League Division 2
Harrow Hill Second XI 3,
Bibury 2
HARROW Hill has remained honest to the code of amateurism for years. Not a penny changes hands at the end of a game but a change could be on the way.
"We have resisted paying players but if we want to compete with other clubs it is something we will have to consider if we are to survive. It could even be as soon as next season," said Harrow Hill chairman Reg Taylor.
Harrow Hill has always been a top Forest club and presently their Hellenic League status puts them second behind Cinderford Town in the football pecking order.
Famed as a breeding ground for young players, Harrow Hill has contributed many an outstanding player to Forest football but of late it has been an uphill struggle as youngsters are attracted elsewhere to turn out for 'paying' clubs.
"Unfortunately there is not a lot of loyalty left in the game. We have some good young players at all levels but others are playing their football at other clubs who pay. If we are to survive at the present standard it is something will will have to consider urgently – as early as next season," he said.
Taylor watched his young Second X1 troops pull off a well earned victory over Bibury – a victory which lifted them above the relegation zone and brought them seven points from nine in their last three games.
"It was an encouraging performance," said Taylor. "It is a young team guided by a couple of old heads and they did well against a committed Bibury side who had some useful old pros in their team."
It was an even and competitive game and all square at the interval after Lee Johnson scored from a cross for Harrow Hill.
Mark Jones headed in number two from a corner and Justin Hayward hit the all important winner – a stinging 20 yard drive late in the second half.