Added March 27th 2006 -

Rothwell Town 3 - 2 Harlow Town

Young Robert Ritchie-Smith's introduction at half-time brought about a complete turnaround in the game for Rothwell Town. Dave Williams' and Frank Benjamin's decision to bring on the 16-year-old and change the formation was undoubtedly an excellent one as they went on to win the game, having struggled in the first half.

That said, it was the Bones who opened the scoring after just eight minutes when Andy Almond firmly headed home Michael Boyle-Chong's cross. But Harlow went on to dominate the rest of the period. They went straight on the attack and were back on terms six minutes later when Craig Charles forced the ball home at his second attempt. And it took only another ten minutes before they were in the lead, Leon Lalite scored direct from a free-kick.

Then came half-time and the introduction of Ritchie-Smith out on the right. He immediately began to frustrate the Harlow defence and pulled them across, leaving room on the left for Jamie Wright to push forward. The youngster was rewarded for his efforts shortly afterwards with an equaliser. Having made his thrid good run into the box he slid the ball under the advancing Jason Hardy for his first senior goal.

He also had a hand in the winner. Wright received his cross and ran into the box, forcing Lee Miles to bring him down. Steve Towers made no mistake from the spot. The Bones were now well on top and looked the only side likely to score again with further chances falling to Robbie Maddox and Wright.

So a very satisfying victory for Rothwell and they will hope for more of the same when they make the trip to league leaders Boreham Wood next Saturday.

Rothwell: Smith, Brown, Brooks, Rice, Flannigan, Boyle-Chong, Tolton (sub Ritchie-Smith h/t), Towers, Almond, Maddox, Wright. Subs (not used): Capps, Cossey.

Harlow: Hardy, Miles, Hollenbach (sub Doyle 80), Chapman, Kirby, Warren, Lalite, Wraight (sub Taylor 63), Williams, Davis, Charles (sub Moore 85). Sub (not used): Wickenden.

Goals: Almond (8 mins), Charles (14 mins), Lalite (24 mins), Ritchie-Smith (68 mins), Towers (75 mins, pen)

Bookings: Hollenbach, Brown, Rice (all fouls)

Att: 119

Ref: Mr G Muge