Haringey Borough

Haringey Borough FC is a non league club based in North East London, about a mile west of Tottenham Hotspur's home. The club was formed in 1976 as a result of several name changes and amalgamations including Edmonton, Wood Green Town and Tufnell Park Football Clubs'. 

Tufnell Park FC were one of the biggest names in amateur football for a while after their formation in 1907, playing at Campdale Road, Holloway . They were runners up of the FA Amateur Cup in 1920 and played in the Athenian and Isthmian Leagues. Members of the clubs reserve side broke away in 1911 to form a new club, Tufnell Spartans FC. 

In 1920 Spartans changed their name to Wood Green FC and found a ground in White Hart Lane opposite Perth Road. Ten years later they changed their name to Wood Green Town FC and moved into Coles Park on White Hart Lane.

Meanwhile, another club called Edmonton Borough FC were also playing in the area. In 1945 Tufnell Park lost their home ground and moved out to Cheshunt before moving to Edmonton's Henry Barrass Stadium. Five years later the clubs merged to become Tufnell Park (Edmonton) FC playing in the Isthmian League.

The club had spells in the Spartan and Delphian Leagues before changing their name to Edmonton FC in 1960 and moving into the Athenian League in 1963. Wood Green Town were in gradual decline and they lost their senior status in 1968. They changed their name to Haringey Borough in 1970 playing local league football.

Edmonton merged with Haringey Borough in 1973 to become Edmonton & Haringey FC taking residence at Coles Park and playing in the Athenian League. In 1976 the title of Haringey Borough was adopted.

Progress was gradually made and the club were accepted into the Isthmian League in 1984. Unfortunately four years later the club were unable to field a team and they lost their league place and dropped out of senior football. Borough regrouped and were admitted into the Spartan League the following year. In 1995 and 1996 the club became Tufnell Park FC but changed back to Haringey Borough.

In 1997 Haringey became founder members of the Spartan South Midlands League. Their Coles Park home has also been used as tenants by other clubs in recent years. Experienced manager Tony Loizou was appointed to take charge of the team in 2009.

Haringey Council announced in 2011 that they will be looking to demolish Coles Park in the near future, with the club being relocated to the nearby upgraded White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre.

Coles Park benefited from a new clubhouse as Borough were transferred to the Essex Senior League for the 2013-14 campaign, although the pitch continued to suffer badly in adverse conditions, leading to a fixture congestion that helped deny the side promotion as they missed out on the league title by one point.

Haringey put that right in the 2014-15 campaign as Loizou's charges romped to the Essex Senior League title by eleven clear points. They consolidated in their first season back in the Isthmian League, while Coles Park's pitch problems were finally sorted by the installation of an artificial pitch in the summer of 2016, while a range of ground improvements were also carried out.

The move paid immediate dividends. Chairman Aky Achillea announced that season tickets would be given away for free in an attempt to engage the local community. Gates increased gradually in the 2016-17 season as Loizou's side played attractive football.

Forward Ralston Gabriel was probably the star of the show, while keeper Valery Pajetat soon became a fans favourite. The team reached the play-offs but went out 5-3 away to Maldon & Tiptree in the semi-final.

The enforced departure of neighbours Tottenham Hotspur to Wembley while their new stadium was being built worked perfectly for Haringey, as they picked up new fans and received increase local attention.

The following season saw another fine season which saw a home tie with Leyton Orient in the FA Trophy and another play-off place. This time the Bell End vocal support that had gradually gathered momentum had something to cheer.

Heybridge Swifts were dispatched at Coles Park in the semi-final before a large crowd congregated at the ground to see Canvey Island being defeated 3-1 in the final to seal promotion to the Premier Division of the Isthmian League.

Gabriel moved to St Albans in the summer of 2018 but the side continued to progress while the free season ticket offer continued, as did the increase in attendances. Boro were to get a huge boost from a run in the FA Cup.

They progressed from the preliminary round to see off Poole Town and then be drawn at home to AFC Wimbledon in round one. The match was chosen for live BBC TV coverage and switched to a Friday evening.

An extra raised step for standing was placed behind each goal as an all ticket crowd crammed in. The Wombles progressed thanks to a late goal, but Haringey raised their profile and won a lot of fans far and wide for their performance and their community initiatives.

Gabriel returned for a speall before joining Boreham Wood, before the season ended for Boro in the semi-final stage of the play-offs as they went down to Tonbridge Angels at Coles Park. The team sat around mid table in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons that were both aborted owing to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Haringey Borough FC will play in the Isthmian League Premier Division in the 2021-22 season.

My visits

Saturday 28th January 1997

The old stand at Coles Park

I first ventured to Coles Park before an Enfield v Scarborough game in January 1987 to have a look after calling in at Cheshunt FC. In those days the ground had a shallow wooden Main Stand. 

The rest of the ground was made up of flat grass and concrete and was not in very pristine condition. I headed back to White Hart Lane station where I grabbed a programme for the Tottenham Hotspur v Scunthorpe United FA Cup tie before taking the train to reunite with my pals.

Sunday 5th November 2006

I returned to Coles Park several years later whilst having a wander around to look at some other grounds in the area.

The Main Stand had gone to be replaced by a lofty new construction with a seating deck above the changing rooms and clubhouse. When it was first built it must have been very impressive. However, time had not been kind to it and it showed clear signs of vandalism.

The rest of the ground was unaltered. If it was ever necessary there is room for future development. The owners had used their initiative and utilised the area. On my visit, the whole area apart from the pitch was home to a Sunday Market. No doubt the club officials would dream of a similar attendance to support 'The Borough'.

Haringey Borough 1 Royston Town 4 (Tuesday 20th December 2011) Spartan South Midland League Premier Division (att: 75)

I had wanted to visit a game at Coles Park for some time, especially when I heard the news that its days could be numbered. As I was working early shift pre Christmas and Borough were in the middle of a long unbeaten long run, and tilte contenders Royston Town were due a visit, this gave me an easy excuse to trek across North London.

I travelled by tube, overground and then two more two tubes before coming out at Wood Green station. I saw the W3 bus I required to get to the ground going past, so I set off as fast as my legs would carry me. 

I know the mind can play tricks but I swear Alan Wells wouldn't have caught me on the hundred metres dash. I must have looked slightly lost as I looked out for the floodlights as a lady passenger asked if I needed help. Fancy that: someone speaking on London Transport!

I walked over the road and paid my £5 to the friendly chap on the gate. This included a reasonable programme which contained had everything I required inside. It's fine clubs having all their glossy productions, but if it doesn't do the job, there's no point.

The teams were warming up out on the pitch as I went into the basic warm clubhouse and got a cup of tea. The lady only wanted 50p but she didn't have any change. She simply told me to pay her later. That's why I love football at that level. You aren't ripped off for refreshments and you are treated with trust and respect.

Nicely refreshed and warm I made my way upstairs into the stand, which pillars aside offered a marvellous view of the pitch and Canary Wharf glistening in the distance. I was really looking forward to the game and it didn't let me down. 

The pitch wasn't in a bad state to say it passed a lunchtime inspection and the amount of games played on it. The ground was also being used by Haringey Ladies and Haringey & Waltham Development FC.

The visiting 'Crows' from Hertfordshire played some nice passing football, while Borough who'd impressed me when I'd seen them earlier in the season at Hanwell Town played more on the break with pace. The home side took the lead and celebrated in style after Chris Benjamin slotted home. 

It obviously meant plenty to the team as Town had visited Coles Park earlier in the month and left with a 2-1 victory in the FA Vase. The visitors penned Borough into their own half for the rest of period but couldn't break through. The home keeper had one or two unconvincing moments from crosses.

I returned for another cuppa at half time and paid my dues. The whole building had seen better days, but everything worked. It even had a clean toilet with soft rolls. In a first for me, I sat on the porcelain horse while listening to one of the managers handing out his team talk!

Town went at it after the restart, yet Borough were creating some real clear cut chances. The match was an absolute credit to the league, with plenty of skill and determination on offer across the large playing area.

The visiting boss Paul Attfield made a couple of substitutions with twenty five minutes to go. Royston equalised immediately after the changes as I was down at ground level attempting to compile a video through one of the subs, Rick Young. Their celebrations matched those of the home side, which at a guess was a retort to the exuberance from Borough's team.

Five minutes later Royston took the lead when the other latest sub Kaan Fehmi whalloped a shot into the top corner of the net. Bobby Charlton would have been proud of such an effort. It managed to take the net of the stanchion, which meant a delay for repairs. 

A cameraman was positioned behind the goal so a player borrowed his stool and put it back together again with the assistance of a linesman. No sooner were the repairs done than a Borough official came out with a step ladder!

Haringey still went forward in search of an equaliser, but they were there for the taking by now. Fehmi added his second with ten minutes to go when he cut in and beat the keeper at the near post. Matt Standen made it four with a few seconds remaining. Despite it being all Town, Borough never stopped trying to the last.

I got talking to a chap I presumed to be a Crows fan near to the end, but he turned out to be a Barnet season ticket holder, so we had a good chat about all things Scarborough and at Underhill. We both agreed that this evening's match had been a good one, but 4-1 slightly flattered the visitors.

We caught the bus together before I repeated my outward journey, only a lot quicker as all the trains and buses fell my way and there were not as many fellow passengers to fight through. I was back home in Kingsbury by around 10.45.

It had been a most worthwhile and enjoyable evening out.

Haringey Borough 3 Maldon & Tiptree 1 (Monday 29th August 2016) Isthmian League Division One North (att: 152)

Haringey had decided to introduce an offer for the 2016-17 season offering free season tickets for anyone who applied online. There was no way I was going to pass up an offer like that, even if I was only likely to get to a couple of matches.

I’d already been to the Hendon v Dulwich Hamlet match that afternoon and enjoyed a few post match pints in the Midland Hotel at Hendon. One of my sparring partners, Steve Speller said he wouldn’t mind heading to White Hart Lane with me.

We took the Thameslink to St Pancras and then Piccadilly line to Wood Green before catching the W3, which dropped us off just as the teams were coming out. My season ticket was waiting on the gate and I bought a programme for another quid.

We needed food and put our orders in for burgers at the hatch by the new clubhouse. Unfortunately, while we were waiting for our grub we missed Jamie-Lee O'Donoghue putting Boro ahead on eight minutes. The burgers were superb by the way! Properly cooked and lovingly served on a toasted bun.

Taking up our seats upstairs in the stand it was soon apparent that the club were making a real attempt to reach out to the local community. Spectators of all ages in backgrounds were enjoying the entertainment being served up on the immaculate new 4G surface.

The match was really high quality stuff, with both teams showing lots of flair and attacking intent. Steve was certainly impressed. Daniel Aristidou made it 2-0 on twelve minutes with a volley that took a deflection past ‘The Jammers’ keeper Daniel Wilks.

The visitors responded and got back into the match. Tarryn Allerakhia saw his shot come back off the inside of the post on twenty minutes. Haringey came close before Maldon & Tiptree hit the woodwork once again. Tyler Brampton’s shot was followed up by Michael Salako who’s effort was blocked on the line.

The lively Ishmail Kamara somehow missed just before the interval for the homesters. We had a look inside the bar at the break. It’s fair to say that the new building was a huge improvement on the former shed. The whole ground had been tidied up with a new pitch and ground perimeter, and new hard standing around the pitch.

The visitors dominated the opening stages of the second half as Harry Palmer’s goal led a charmed life. Another effort was cleared off the line before the deficit was reduced with over twenty minutes to go when Adam Mills scored with a superb volley from twenty five yards.

Maldon poured forward in the search of an equaliser. Haringey dug in and rode their luck. It was fantastic entertainment. With just a few minutes remaining the home side broke away through Kamara who slid in for Aristidou to finish off and secure the three points.

We headed off for the bus wondering just how Maldon had lost. I would imagine their manager, the former top flight player Kevin Horlock, was wondering the same. We ended the night in JJ Moons at Kingsbury pretty chuffed that we’d made the effort to go to the match.

Haringey Borough 3 Thamesmead Town 2 (Monday 28th November 2016) Isthmian League Division One North (Att: 83)

As ever I was making the most use I could of my time off work. I’d already been to the Under 21 match between Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic at Selhurst Park and had a look at Crystal Palace park before heading up to Hampstead Cricket Club to catch up with the Jarvis family.

I’d talked Steve Barnes into making the trip and I met him at West Hampstead Overground station from where we too a train to the packed station that is Highbury & Islington, a tube to Seven Sisters and then another train to White Hart Lane.

One of Steve’s reasons for coming along was the opportunity to visit the community owned Antwerp Arms, in which he’d bought a shareholding in his late Dad’s name. He was delighted to show me his plaque above the bar. We enjoyed a couple of pints of very palatable locally brewed Redemption Pale Ale before taking the W3 bus to Coles Park in time for kick off.

We sat in the stand and although it was a chilly night, the wind had dropped from earlier to offer some rest bite. Once again the standard of the catering hit the right note. This time I used my noddle and ordered it before going back to collect so I missed none of the action.

Borough took the lead with a crashing shot from Ralston Gabriel on twenty two minutes. They doubled their lead seven minutes before the break as Adrian Markus brought down a fine pass on his chest and then volleyed into the top corner of the net. If such a goal like that had been scored at the other end of White Hart Lane, it would be played endlessly on TV.

By now the referee had let far too much go unpunished. I'm all for letting the game flow, but it was as though there was no pea in the officials' whistle. Some of the challenges were on the violent side, as both teams quickly realised that it would take something especially brutal to have their name taken; yet a relatively soft foul brought the first yellow card for home defender Dewayne Clarke.

Thamesmead, who knocked Hendon into second spot in the "who's got the most horrendous green kit" competition, were reduced to ten before the break, as a defender received a second yellow for a stupid challenge that merited a straight red.

The clubhouse offered copies of previous match programmes in return for requesting a small donation at the interval. I had a chat with a few Enfield Town supporters and gave them the heads up that the bar at Silver Jubilee Park would be selling Portobello Ales from the barrel at their match against Hendon the following Saturday.

The second half continued to emulate a Summer Slam contest in between some fine football. Gabriel made it 3-0 as the Thamesmead players did their pieces with each other and the hapless ref. Boro's Clarke tried to outdo his opponent Leon Smith in the competition for the daftest most violent challenge of the night leaving the man in black no option but to send him to try out the showers.

It was at this point that the home side got complacent, wasting several chances to put the game beyond any doubt. Some of the greedy play took some believing. Gabriel was the main culprit. I advised Haringey through Twitter to get him to enter Mastermind as there was no danger of him ever passing.

Town narrowed the deficit when youngster Harvey Brand headed home, much to the joy of his humorous parents behind us in the stand. Alex Teniola got another one back, as the home fans began to become concerned and not massively impressed by the selfishness of some of their players.

Their defence and keeper somehow managed to keep out a scramble in stoppage time to secure a win that should really have been far more comfortable. That said, it was fantastic entertainment for neutrals. Steve certainly enjoyed the match and the set up; even more so as the poor fella had a season ticket at Leyton Orient. 

We caught a bus down to Turnpike Lane after the game to grab a decent enough pint in the trendy Westbury pub, before the tube took us back to Kingsbury in time for a couple of pints to round off a long but fantastic day in JJ Moons.

Haringey Borough 2 Maldon & Tiptree 2 (Monday 16^th October 2017) Isthmian League Division One North (att 173)

I’d considered staying in and watching the live Premier League football before coming to my senses when Tony Foster texted. He fancied a game and seemed to prefer the game between Hitchin Town and Redditch United.

I was just happy to go anywhere in company; and as Tony was driving, I left the choice to him. Between Stanmore and the A1 we changed our minds several times before my pal decided on his first visit to White Hart Lane.

We pulled in to the car park at just gone 7pm and headed to the clubhouse to see the live draw for the first round of the FA Cup on TV. Haringey had gone out of the competition a couple of days previously, with their fans seemingly still a little sad about it.

My mood had dropped top simmering point after Scarborough Athletic’s home defeat against Hyde United. The cameras were at Hyde looking for reaction on the draw. I reflected on the free publicity that my club could have been enjoying.

The draw would have pitted Scarborough at home to MK Dons; which didn’t help me. It would have been a possible live TV game. Haringey’s victors, Heybridge Swifts were drawn away to Exeter City.

Admission for the evening was £7, with a programme an extra £2. The issue had been printed before Saturday’s game, but included a loose page with all the up to date details. I found that a very sensible idea.

There was a wind blowing diagonally across the pitch towards the seated stand, so we decided to stand on the open far side. It was encouraging to see another decent crowd assemble; including plenty of neutrals.

Nobody could have had any complaints with the action on offer throughout the match. Hendon, my local team, played a very similar style to Boro. The ball was passed to feet at pace, with an occasional clever ball being sent down the channels.

The two sides had met in the previous season’s play-off semi-final; which had ended in a 5-4 win to the evening’s visitors. It ensured that our match was very competitive. No doubt one or two memories had been stirred.

The early exchanges were fast and contained lots of excellent free flowing football from both sides. Malden went 1-0 up after excellent work from Chris Millar set up Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe to slot the ball home on thirteen minutes.

Boro were level five minutes later after the impressive forward Ralston Gabriel collected the ball on the edge of the box before whipping in a fantastic shot into the far corner past Dominic Kurasik in the Jammers goal.

Neither side were afraid to put in stern challenges. Referee Hugh Gilroy had to intervene half way through the first period as tempers flared. There was plenty of pushing and shoving with threats and gestures without anything too sinister.

The rest of the half was pretty even, with chances at both ends. 1-1 was about the correct score as the teams went off, as we took up one of the best offers around in London football, thanks to a promotion advertised in the programme.

We simply filled out a form with our personal details; which was left in the clubhouse, before taking it to the bar to collect a free season pass. We weren’t suddenly to become regulars, but we may well return to another Monday night game.

Boro’s attendances had shot up through this idea. Plenty spent their cash in the bar, on programmes and on food. It was also nice to see old programmes left out for fans to take in return for a donation. They were certainly speculating to accumulate.

Twelve minutes after the break a low shot from Millar proved too powerful for Valery Pajetet in the Haringey goal, as Maldon retook the lead. The locals then really began to find their voices and get behind their side.

Haringey were given a lifeline with fifteen minutes to go; when the ref awarded a penalty for hand ball. Gabriel stepped up, but placed his spot kick over the bar. However, he made amends within a minute as he equalised with a well placed header.

We were paying close attention to the Premier League score as Tony’s son, Paul, stood to win a hefty cash prize if Leicester failed to win in a last man stands competition. My pals text tone was going off at regular intervals!

Harvey Brown came close to a winner for Maldon, as his curling shot caught the wind and hit the crossbar. Haringey also looked to try and force the issue, in what was a pulsating encounter. A draw was about the right result.

We listened to the last few minutes of the Leicester v West Brom game on the car radio as Tony drove back. The full time whistle after the 1-1 draw was quickly met by a further text. There was one very happy punter in Harrow Weald!

Haringey Borough 1 Sittingbourne 0 (Monday 13^th November 2017) FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round Replay (att: 177)

Boro’s draw in Kent the previous Saturday threw up a great opportunity for a rare outing with my brothers Paul and Nick at a match. Paul was over from Norway; while Nick was on business in London.

We met for tea at the Spouters Corner, Wetherspoons outlet in Wood Green to enjoy a bite to eat and a couple of pints on an increasingly cold evening. The W3 bus deposited us by the gates as we took up a position on the far side; where we were joined by Tony Foster.

A decent support had headed to the capital to cheer on The Brickies. I expected to see a relatively comfortable home win, but Sittingbourne were to prove to be stiff opposition. Indeed, they were probably the better side in the first half.

Home keeper Valery Pajetat saved from Miles Cornwell, before going down injured as he misjudged a through ball and needed to be carried from the pitch. Fortunately the Haringey defence thwarted Kane Rowland as he looked to pounce.

Referee Neil West impressed all four of us, as he refused to receive back chat from players of either side. The match was quick and of a good standard, as was becoming the norm at White Hart Lane.

Us brothers headed to the bar at the break, to enjoy a whisky to warm us through, before we retook our previous position. The second half offered more of the same. It was becoming increasingly obvious that one goal would be enough to secure a home tie against Thame United in the next round.

With twenty minutes remaining, Boro’s impressive but spikey Ralston Gabriel was slid in and he made no mistake slotting the ball past goalkeeper Harry Brooks; who could possibly have positioned himself better.

John Coker came the closest to a leveller with a deflected effort, but Haringey’s resolute defence held out to complete a hard fought victory. At full time Paul took a bus and tube back to his base at Walthamstow, while Tony took Nick and I to Stanmore for the tube home.

Haringey Borough 3 Aveley 2 (Monday 8^th January 2018) Isthmian League Division One North (att: 137)

This was another splendid evening at Coles Park with my wingman Tony. Aveley looked a transformed outfit from the side we’d seen lose at home to Norwich United a few weeks previously. Perhaps new manager James Webster, was working his magic?

Boro were in the middle of an indifferent run and found themselves just outside the play off zone. It was a changed line up from the fine performances early in the season; owing to injuries and suspensions.

It was the visitors who took the lead through Alex Teniola who finished from a low cross just before the half hour mark. The score remained that way until seven minutes after the interval when Derek Asamoah slid in to level at the second attempt.

Ten minutes later Teniola added a fine second, even though he had better placed colleagues. It looked as though Aveley would hang on, despite Haringey pressing forward. We were sure that we’d see at least one more goal.

We were proved correct two minutes from the end of stoppage time. Boro were awarded a free kick around twenty five yards out. Coby Rowe propelled his curling and dipping shot with great precision to leave Rhys Madden stranded in the visitors net.

There was still more to come. In the third minute of stoppage time the home custodian Austin Byfield launched a kick out of his hands. I immediately said it was going in. Madden back peddled and seemed to stop the ball; only for the linesman to flag that it had crossed the line.

It was great work for the assistant to follow the ball and be by the line to get the perfect view. The home team and supporters were wild with delight, while the Aveley players sank to their knees a few seconds later at full time.

My night wasn’t done, as I caught a tube and then train to the Ibis Hotel at Luton Airport to get an early start the following morning for my flight to Valencia.

Haringey Borough 1 AFC Hornchurch 2 (Monday 15^th January 2018) Isthmian League Division One North (att: 216)

It was another cold and windy evening at Coles Park as league leaders Hornchurch provided the oppositions. My brothers were again in town so we rendezvoused at Spouters Corner for our Wetherspoon’s meal before taking the bus to the game.

It was a sure sign that there was a decent sized attendance as all the programmes had been sold. We took up a spot on the far side with regular watcher Tony to watch a decent encounter unfold.

Hornchurch went ahead on ten minutes, when Theo Fairweather-Johnson was afforded a free header from a corner. The hosts were badly missing the suspended Gabriel, although Michael Ademiluyi stood out with his energy, pace and skill.

The Urchins defended well and looked organised throughout the game. Boro piled forward and came agonisingly close on a couple of occasions before the experienced Leon McKenzie scored with another free header from a set piece.

Haringey continued to put in every effort and were rewarded when Lawrence Yiga pounced to head at the near post from an excellent ball into the danger zone. They came agonisingly close to an equaliser but Hornchurch held on. We’d had another good night and whisky sales were certainly up after our visit.

Haringey Borough 3 Canvey Island 1 (Sunday 6^th May 2018) Isthmian League Division One North Play Off Final (att: 809)

My colleague Mick took me off at work at 1.40pm as I headed away to see the next chapter what was one of the happiest of football story's. I first went to Coles Park for a game in 2011 when 75 was considered a bumper attendance in a ground that was a bit of a mess.

Fast forward seven years. Coles Park looked at its finest. It is now a very tidy venue with new clubhouse and excellent 3G pitch. It was tremendous to see the local community embracing their club. The W3 bus was packed from Wood Green with many alighting for the match.

It was a very warm afternoon so I went and bought a bottle of water before paying my tenner admission. The club had added 50p onto all their catering for the day, and who could blame them? It was still reasonably priced, with my cheeseburger and tea costing a fiver.

I headed over to the far side to our usual spot where I met Tony Foster And Steve Barnes. Hendon coach Fabio Valenti was also there so I had a good chat about the Dons play off final against Dulwich Hamlet the following day.

There had been controversy in the lead up to the play offs as Canvey Island had made use of a non-league loophole to aid their chances. Clubs are allowed to dual register players from other clubs as long as they’re not in the same division.

This rule is to ensure that clubs without reserve teams are not left with players on the sidelines. They can be sent out to get football but also recalled. The Gulls acquired the services of Sam Higgins and James White from East Thurrock United.

Higgins was the National League South top scorer and netted in the semi final and was alleged to have been paid £1,500 for his two appearances. His side was cheered on by around a 100 visiting boisterous fans.

Before kick off a minute’s applause was held in memory of Pete Butcher; a highly respected journalist and AFC Hornchurch secretary who I’d seen at nearly every Essex non-league game I’d ever attended.

The first half was tight with Mark Kirby, Boro’s central defender keeping a close watch on Higgins. The pace was frenetic with no quarter given. We were of the opinion that the Islanders more bulky players may wilt in the heat as the game continued.

Valery Pajetat in the Haringey net saved from Higgins as Canvey had a slight ascendancy in play. Referee Steven Hughes used his common sense by allowing a brief water break after thirty minutes play as temperatures reached the high twenties.

Haringey boss Tom Loizou introduced pocket sized attacker Michael Ademiluyi wide on the right for the restart. Star forward Ralston Gabriel had been well marshalled by the visiting defence but his general play was still high quality. Kirby was a commanding figure settling play from the back.

David Olufemi curled a shot just over for Boro and then Andre McCollin saw his effort saved by Henry Newcombe. Higgins headed straight at Pajetat at the other end when well placed as chances started to come for both sides.

Jorge Djassi-Sambu was next to create for Haringey as he danced round some challenges and then saw his low powerful cross spilled by Newcombe. Pajetat was replaced by Austin Byfield after getting injured making a brave save.

The home support continued their vocal support for their side despite Higgins missing a good opportunity for the Gulls. Boro’s players were drawing some crude fouls from the visitors as the heat did indeed start to take affect on their bulky physiques.

Haringey were starting to take command and put on the pressure with lots of clever quick football on the deck. Gabriel had a couple of shots blocked in quick succession before they took the lead with seventeen minutes remaining.

Kirby was afforded a free header which went over the line despite the best efforts of Newcombe, who was furious with the decision as he chased after the linesman who signalled the goal. It was nothing less than Haringey deserved.

The lead was doubled on eighty two minutes when Gabriel caused mayhem in the box, leading to Frankie Merrified slipping and handling the ball on the floor. Referee Hughes pointed to the spot and Boro’s leading scorer made no mistake as pandemonium broke out among the home support.

Merrifield went up to the other end and crossed well for Sykes who headed wide when well placed in the ninetieth minute. In additional time the same man crossed once again. This time Steve Sheehan headed in to make it 2-1.

There was still two minutes remaining, but any nerves for the home side were soon eased. Chinedu McKenzie and Ademiluyi were both clean through. McKenzie realised he would have been offside if he touched the ball so he left it to his team mate.

Confusion reigned as the linesman raised his flag and then put it down as Ademiluyi slotted home past a startled Newcombe. The officials conferred and correctly awarded the goal. The Canvey players went berserk, with manager Danny Heale being sent to the stands.

Haringey fully deserved their win and promotion. The crowd celebrated wildly as did chairman Aky Achillea, who’d done so much to build the club and its fan base through the free season ticket offer. Hopefully he’d got his money back from the Leyton Orient cup match and play-off games.

I had really enjoyed myself, as did my two neutral mates. Best of all it scuppered Canvey's dual registered caper. Football was the winner. Steve and I were dropped off in Mill Hill by Tony to go and enjoy the sights and beer in the Midland Hotel.

Haringey Borough 0 Harlow Town 2 (Monday 1^st October 2018) Isthmian Premier League (att: 250)

It was my first opportunity to return to White Hart Lane of the 2018-19 season, with Boro sticking to Monday night football. My usual travelling pal Tony picked me up at Stanmore as the first signs of the forthcoming winter were in the air.

We’d both contacted the club to take them up on their free season ticket offer. Sure enough an envelope was waiting for us on the gate. All we had to do was sign a form to say that we’d received them.

The match programme had dropped by a £1 in price from the previous season. Tony said that he’d emailed them saying that he thought two quid was a bit pricey. We couldn’t really complain with the free tickets, but the gesture was greatly appreciated.

The interest in the club had continued, with a very decent attendance turning out. When we first started going we were virtually alone on the far side. Now there was 30 or 40 fans taking up a position against the fence.

Star striker Ralston Gabriel had departed to St Albans City and was continuing banging in the goals. It was going to be interesting to see how Haringey were faring in mid table in his absence. Harlow came into the game in the relegation places.

Boro were dominant in the first half. Femi Akinwande used fine footwork saw him create lots of space and through on goal, but he blazed his shot wide without troubling Hawks keeper Josh Bexon, after the stopper had earlier made a fine save from Georgios Aresti.

Nathan Koranteng fired two efforts wide for Harlow before Akinwande missed another good chance as he fired over after Michael Ademiluyi had nodded down a cross into his path from Joel Nouble.

It was nice to bump into fellow hopper Luke Williams, up from Worthing at half time and also see a Hendon regular in the bar. The word was certainly getting out. None of us could believe how the score was 0-0 at the interval.

Ademiluyi had a shot cleared off the line soon after the restart before Harlow’s defence tightened up and they got into the game. They were rewarded on seventy two minutes when Boro keeper Valery Pajetat tripped Jules Haabo. Charlie Edwards stepped up to score from the spot.

Boro tried to pile on the pressure with the excellent Joe Staunton pulling the strings, but they were met by a stubborn defence. They thought they’d equalised with seven minutes remaining when a glancing header went through a crowd to spark celebrations from the home side.

The ball came out and the referee waved play on. The mystery was never completely explained. Some say the ball hit a stanchion just behind the post and came back out, where others claimed it hit the post and never crossed the line.

While the confusion and protests continued Harlow broke away through Koranteng, with Edwards being unceremoniously fouled when about to shoot on the edge of the box. Perhaps a guilty conscience saw the man in black just show a yellow card.

The visitors were to rub salt into the wounds when substitute Jason Raab found himself in space, went inside and fired a brilliant dipping shot into the top corner leaving Pajetat stranded and the Boro fraternity scratching their heads as to how they lost.

We left agreeing that we’d still not seen a poor game at White Hart Lane.

Haringey Borough 0 AFC Wimbledon 1 (Friday 9^th November 2018) FA Cup Round One (att: 2,710)

It had been a delight to follow Haringey’s fortunes over the previous couple of years, so when the live FA Cup draw set up this tie I was determined to be there. It was ideal as it would follow my last shift at work before a two week break in Thailand.

Tony emailed the club who sent the tickets out by post in return of a cheque. They kept the prices the same as a league game and continued to receive deserved credit. The BBC decided to show the game live, which would guarantee both clubs an additional £50,000.

We managed to get a spare ticket for my Scarborough supporting mate Ian Anderson who travelled down by train from Northampton. I had a meal with Ross Sullivan before meeting Ian in the Doric Arch at Euston station for a couple of pints.

We crammed onto the packed tube to Wood Green in time for another beer in the rammed Spouter’s Corner and then headed to catch a ridiculously full W3 bus to Coles Park. The locals must have wondered what was going on?

Boro had got their act together with a souvenir stall just outside the turnstiles knocking out shirts, hats, scarfs and the like. Programmes were in decent supply as Ian headed for another beer at a makeshift can bar, while I met Tony and headed to the far side.

We couldn’t reach our usual vantage spot near the half way line as the area was blocked off for segregation and the TV equipment. We were nearer the corner flag as the rain started to fall quite heavily. Boro had put down a temporary step of terracing behind both goals to assist with viewing.

There was a terrific atmosphere, mainly created by the home fans, although the visiting Wombles also played their part.  Valery Pajetat in goal for Haringey was to emerge as a real hero with his stops and his command of his area.

Wimbledon’s players looked bigger and faster, but Boro’s team matched them for endeavour. Joe Pigott and Scott Wagstaff both saw shots go wide for the visitors, while the diminutive Michael O’Donoghue went close at the other end.

Mitch Pinnock saw his free kick skim the top of the hosts bar. Haringey had shouts for a penalty when Tom Soares may well have brought down Michael Ademiluyi. I managed to get around to the only toilet for home fans at the break. Somehow everything ran smoothly, in part to the good humour of the crowd.

Pigott headed a good chance wide for the Dons just after the restart before a Pinnock cross got caught in the wind and landed on top of the Boro bar. Toby Sibbick had an effort well saved by Pajetat as the home anthem of “Sing if You’re Haringey” rang out.

Boro had an excellent spell of their own as they put together a few minutes of sustained pressure. Joe Staunton thought that he had given the hosts the lead but his excellent finish was ruled out by the linesman’s flag.

Pajetat pulled off a couple of good saves from Pinnock and a fierce effort from Soares. It looked for all money that Haringey were going to get a replay with all the accolades and financial benefits that it would afford.

Then in stoppage time Pinnock saw his shot take a wicked deflection off Tosin Olufemi to dip into the net past a stranded Pajetat. It was a cruel blow. Many Wimbledon fans accepted that they’d been fortunate on social media after the game.

Boro received a well deserved ovation and quite rightly lapped it up. We took a while to get out and then feel just how bad the weather was walking back to Tony’s car. Fortunately, the wind and rain had been at our backs.

The texts and messages from friends who’d seen the game said it all. Everyone was really impressed with Haringey’s performance and the way that the club had put themselves forward. I went home to dry out and pack for my holiday.

Haringey Borough 1 Leyton Orient 2 (Monday 3^rd December 2018) London Senior Cup Round Two (att: 257)

My long weekend off work coincided with this clash that also interested Hendon and O’s fan Steve Barnes. We’d arranged to set out early and enjoy a bit of pub hopping before the game, but there was work ahead of me before my first pint.

My Godson Oscar wasn’t very well with a temperature. His Dad Steve Jarvis was struggling for a babysitter and called me to see if I was free. I had a fantastic if tiring few hours with the young fella who seemed determined to use up his energy in my company.

I was most certainly ready for a pint when I met Steve Barnes at West Hampstead station. We took the Overground to Crouch Hill after changing at Gospel Oak. My mate had done some research and I was ever eager to learn on the job.

Brave Sir Robin was certainly a huge leap forward on the hipster scale of pubs I’m used to, but the sounds of Radiohead, candles and the Moor So’ Hop Pale Ale hit the spot before a pint of perfectly kept Truman’s Zephyr down the road in The Old Dairy also impressed.

That area of North London had certainly become increasingly trendy, but if it resulted in decent pubs and good real ale, then who was I to argue? The W7 bus took us to the Small Beer Public House in Crouch End. Again, Barnsey had come up trumps.

Not only was the N1 Pale Ale from Hammerton Brewery spot on, we each received a free slice of margarita pizza. The pub was putting the offer on every Monday to Friday between 4 and 6pm. We did comment that we knew some lads who could severely punish such a deal!

The W3 service took as past several other tempting establishments as well as offering some dramatic views over the capital as climbed to Alexandra Palace. We bailed out at the bottom of the hill by the station and walked for ten minutes to The Prince.

I’d been past this place many times on my way to Coles Park when in Tony’s car but had never been in. The Ilkley Brewery Mary Jane was in fine form in another really pleasant pub. With kick-off getting close Steve ordered as an Uber as we arrived fifteen minutes before the start.

It was an all pay game as it was a cup competition. It cost me a tenner with a cheeseburger and tea a further £4.50. The standard was as good as ever and the service friendly. We decided to take a seat upstairs in the stand.

Orient investor Kent Teague was in attendance and shook Steve’s hand as he walked up the aisle to sit with manager Justin Edinburgh who was no doubt taking a look at his side that was predominantly made up of the under 23 squad.

However, there was some experience in the line up as Matt Harrold, Alex Lawless and George Elokobi being regulars in the first team squad. Boro rested keeper Pajetat and a couple of other players.

A decent crowd rocked up, despite it being an all pay cup game, with at least fifty supporting the visitors. Their side faced a good test with Charley Barker going close for the hosts in the early stages.  Joel Nouble then had an effort skew wide.

The O’s had their first effort on goal on twenty minutes when Hector Kyprianou curled his shot over. Ten minutes later the visitors took the lead when Ruel Sotiriou’s low shot was fumbled by keeper Austin Byfield as it crawled over the line.

Byfield atoned when doing well to tip a Brendon Shabani over his bar. Karl Akinwande went close for the Haringey just before the interval, when we headed to the warm of the clubhouse as the temperatures began to fall.

Steve bumped into some O’s friends and I chatted with Gerard Walker who goes to Middlesbrough and Yorkshire games but now lives in the local area. Steve filled out a form and received his free season ticket from an amiable club official as we chatted about the fortunes of Boro and Hendon.

We stood in the shelter for the second half as Kyprianou brought a fine save out of Byfield while Akinwande responded with a shot that deflected off Elokobi. O’s keeper Arthur Janata was relieved to grab the ball after it had rebounded off the inside of his post from a Nouble shot.

O’s defended reasonably well before making it 2-0 with four minutes of normal time remaining as Sotiriou saw his shot parried by Byfield. James Alabi followed up to score. Barker set up a grandstand finish when he halved the arrears with two minutes to go.

Having checked the bus times, we headed out as stoppage time began. We missed the straight red card handed out to Boro’s Scott Mitchell as Sotiriou broke clear with Boro chasing the game. It has to be said that referee Paul Howard had been excellent all evening.

Our decision proved prudent as we were back on the tube and at St Pancras in time to catch the 10.03 service to Hendon from where we enjoyed a pint in the Midland Hotel before ending the evening in The Moon Under Water in Colindale with Steve Speller.

It’d been a great day all round. I knew all about it the following morning when I returned to day two of babysitting before my night shift. Little Oscar didn’t seem too concerned with my antics!

Haringey Borough 2 Brightlingsea Regent 1 (Monday 4^th February 2019) Isthmian League Premier Division (att: 341)

Despite being on early shift at work I fancied another delve into the world of pubs not too far from Coles Park on the way to a Boro match. Steve Barnes, a fellow recipient of the free season ticket thought similar, so we headed across town by tube and bus.

The Small Beer Public House was on form again before we headed across the road to The Queens; a magnificent grand old building that served a steady pint of Twickenham Grandstand. A short bus ride delivered us by The Great Northern Railway Tavern.

This was another superb place. It was good to see traditional pubs being lovingly brought back to popularity because of real and craft ales. Again, we decided to let Uber to take the strain and drop us by the gates to the ground.

We bumped into a couple of Hendon regulars, finding a couple of seats in the stand next to Chick and some older female visiting fans. The crowds were out in force once again as Haringey looked to go level with the top spot in the league.

It was the visitors who went ahead on eight minutes when Billy Jones scored from the edge of the box, with striking colleague Billy Hunt causing plenty of havoc for the Haringey defence. Boro had plenty of play but couldn’t force an opening before half time.

Femi Akinwande and Mark Kirby missed decent opportunities after the restart, but the hosts would draw level on seventy one minutes. Kirby was denied by Regent stopper James Bradbrook but Ralston Gabriel was on hand to smash home to make it 1-1.

The Brightlingsea players were visibly tiring as the game continued. It was an excellent contest in customary White Hart Lane fashion. Boro were doing everything they could to force a winner, but Regent were putting everything on the line to hold on.

The points should surely have headed back to Essex if the visitors had taken a golden opportunity in the second minute of stoppage time. Jones hit the bar before Harrison Banner contrived to fire the rebound wide of an open goal.

The ball went to half way from the goal kick where Gabriel controlled and ran at the defence, beating three men before passing to substitute Ricky Sappleton who scored to set off wild celebrations.

Once again, we’d had a great night of sampling ale in lovely pubs followed by a cracking game of football at a venue that seldom let anyone down.

Haringey Borough 1 Tonbridge Angels 2 (Thursday 2nd May 2019) Isthmian League Premier Division Play-Off Semi-Final (att: 810)

It was a year since I’d helped out at Silver Jubilee Park as Hendon demolished Folkestone Invicta at the same stage of the same competition. How things had changed in the twelve months since across the city.

Boro were now the side to watch with their fine forward play. I had the day off work and was determined not to miss out, so I arranged to meet my pal Gerard Walker at The Westbury for some pre match libations.

The pub was predominantly full of Haringey fans; something nobody would have dreamed of just a year or so earlier. This was a great story of a club doing things properly to engage the local community. It was a pleasure to witness.

We walked with others to the ground where we parted ways after I grabbed a beer to take to the far side to meet Tony Foster. The stand was full, with a good following travelling from Kent to support the Angels.

Haringey hadn’t quite been the same force after Ralston Gabriel’s return was ended with a move to Boreham Wood. The goals had dried up a little of late. Tonbridge fielded ex Hendon skipper Arthur Lee in their line up.

The visitors started the stronger and looked to have taken the lead on fourteen minutes when Tom Derry finished after a shot from Adem Ramadan had come back off the post. However, the linesman flagged for offside.

Ramadan was not to be denied soon after, when his curling shot following a cleared corner went in over Boro skipper Michael O'Donoghue who was stood on the line. The visitors doubled their lead shortly before the interval as Boro old boy, Chinedu McKenzie, netted.

Haringey got a foothold not long after the restart when they were awarded a penalty. Kudus Oyenuga smashed home the spot kick as the hosts started to pile on the pressure in search of an equaliser.

Excellent play from Joel Nouble set up Oyenuga who smashed over the bar when offered a fantastic opportunity. James Folkes made a fine last ditch challenge to deny Nouble before Craig Stone cleared, as wave after wave of attack stretched the resolute Tonbridge defence.

Angels keeper Jon Henly denied Lyle Della-Verde for a second time in the encounter. Defender Coby Rowe played as a third forward for the closing spells and saw his shot come back off the crossbar as time was nearly up.

Jared Small managed to put off Della-Verde with a challenge as the striker looked set to fire past Henly. Shortly after the excellent referee Andrew Humphries blew for full time. The emotions between the two sides and sets of fans could not have been more contrasting.

Haringey could reflect on another fantastic season, including a live TV FA Cup appearance with huge increase in their attendance figures.

Haringey Borough 0 Leatherhead 1 (Monday 28^th September 2020) Isthmian League Premier Division (Att: 288)

Work patterns and the early termination of the season owing to COVID meant I hadn’t seen a game at Coles Park in the 2019-20 season, so it was good to grab the opportunity to return.

Season tickets were again available free by downloading online as well as a match programme via the same method. Tony picked me up at Stanmore with Jim Wilson, who’d been to the game at Wingate & Finchley a week earlier joining us at the ground.

He’d enjoyed the standard of football and social interaction during the restrictions and also downloaded himself a season ticket. The pair of us used the excellently organised one-way system to grab a beer from the takeaway only club bar.

We saw a proper battle expertly refereed by Jonathan Bolland who took his time over any incidents and kept cards to a minimum despite both sides trying to entice him into taking action against their opponents.

The game saw a fully deserved victory for the Tanners who must have been smarting from their hiding at Bowers & Pitsea two days previously. They defended well in numbers and looked more dangerous on the break. Boro were lacking a cutting edge up front.

The winner came from a deflected shot from the edge of the box from Dan Rowe three minutes after the break. Boro huffed and puffed and missed probably their best chance in stoppage time when a low cross should have been put away by two different players.

Leatherhead were well marshalled by Will Salmon with keeper Zaki Oualah only having to make one save of note. It had been the usual pleasant social night out at Coles Park. 

Haringey Borough 3 East Thurrock United 1 (Monday 4^th October 2020) Isthmian League Premier Division (att: 266)

What a difference a week makes. A most impressive Boro performance in which Thurrock never gave in until the end, led to another decent Monday at Coles Park with good company and social aspects tossed in for good measure.

Haringey went 2-0 up through two penalties slotted away by Roman Michael-Percil, the first for a debatable handball flagged by the linesman, the second nailed on for a trip. Boro were dominant in the first period which saw the hands of United keeper Arthur Janata severely stung by a couple of thunderbolts by Laste Dombaxe.

After the break the visitors fought back. Luke Illsley did all the hard work to get a sight on goal, but his shot was too close to keeper Jonathan Miles who saved with his feet. The game was end to end and full of smart quick passing football.

Boro’s third was a beautiful move finished with a low shot through a defenders’ legs and into the far corner by Jamie O’Donaghue, whose appearance made a big difference to his sides’ potency compared to seven days earlier.

Thurrock were rewarded for their spirit ten minutes from time through a fine solo Kenny Aileru effort. It was a telling sign of the good company and entertainment on offer that the half flew by.

I got a lift there and back with Tony and light traffic meant I was home in Kingsbury for not long after 10pm. Jim returned for his first win as a season ticket holder and it was also good to catch up Gerry the steward who always enjoy a beer and natter with.

The only sad news came the following day when reading the notes of chairman Aki Achillea who'd agreed with manager Loizou to move midweek games in the future from Monday to Tuesday citing fatigue of the players.

Perhaps a manager's excuse for a poor performance against Leatherhead? I was sad as I really enjoy my visits but find myself otherwise occupied on Tuesday's. Tony was of the same opinion and we both hoped that it wouldn't undo much of the hard work of building up crowds over the previous few years.