Harrow boss says his side will prevail despite FA Trophy underdog status
By Ben Hart, Sportsbeat
Steve Baker, Harrow Borough boss, insists that his side will use the handbrake when Halifax Town make the long trip south for their FA Trophy fourth-round tie.
Harrow, seventh-tier, will face a tough opponent in the National League team this weekend. Baker however insists his team will play with no fear.
Baker has already steered Boro to the FA Cup first round proper on two occasions since taking over as manager in 2015 – and is hoping for more cup magic this year.
“We play extremely attacking football, which is the way I coach and manage and that won’t change,” said Baker.
“We might have to tweak a couple of bits because of the opposition we’re playing against, and we might have to be a little more cautious, but we will always try to win.
“I’m not really a manager that likes to try and sit in and soak up. We have goals in us, good attacking players, so we will definitely have a go against them.
“I enjoy these games because you go into them with no pressure on you. I’d rather be at home to Halifax then away to a step four team because the pressure isn’t on you and the players, you’re expected to lose the game.
“There will be an upset somewhere, hopefully it’s us.”
After coming back from a goal down, Harrow won 2-1 against Swindon Supermarine to secure their place in the final 32.
Baker, who for over 20 years has managed the club’s best performance in the competition, cannot claim all the credit.
“I’d like to say it’s been some tactical masterclass, but it hasn’t been at all,” he said.
“Sometimes in football you get a feeling in certain competitions that things are going right.
“You could look back at every game so far and say, ‘yes, that went for us.’ When you are on a bad run, those breaks tend to go the other way.”
Harrow is one of over 200 Trident League clubs financially assisted by Southern League partners Pitching in. They recently launched a Volunteer Hub that allows members to post opportunities to help their local club.
Baker hopes that the Reds can show their appreciation for all the volunteers who make the club a success with another cup victory.
“I know it means so much to people at the club to get to this stage in the cups,” added Baker.
“Financially, it’s been great, especially as we exited the FA Cup in our first game.
“We see this as an opportunity to boost the profile of the club, it’ll be tough, but a great challenge for all involved.
“Hopefully, it will be another day to remember.”
Entain has supported Ladbrokes’ multi-million-pound investment program Pitching In. This programme is designed to support and promote grassroots sport. For more details see: