⚽️⚽️⚽️ Arnold
⚽️ M Danes

🅰️ Ward
🅰️ Mistry
🅰️ O McDougall
🅰️ Arnold

CSKA twice came from a goal behind to take a well earned and much needed three points as the quest for a league championship gets back on track.

Despite an exhilarating start with quick passing movements and dominating possession, it was the visitors who took a shock lead after a disguised free-kick was clipped into the box and tapped home to beat debutant Philip Luengtin in goal. A fine one-on-one save by Luengtin prevented Harborough pulling further ahead as CSKA struggled to get a foothold back in the game and reignite the patterns from the opening period.

The equiliser came on 40 minutes, some tidy play between Matt Westerman, Dan Danes and Caine Ward opened up the space on the right flank, and Ward’s cross was expertly finished by Olly Arnold at the front post. There were additional chances to nick a lead just before half-time, Brad Parker looking particulary menacing in advanced areas.

1-1 at half-time and CSKA came out playing good football in the second half. Some incredible goalkeeping kept Olly Arnold out with a fantastic double save from close range. But once again it was Harborough who hit CSKA with a sucker punch to put them 2-1 ahead. But CSKA didn’t react to this goal as they did on the first, and it wasn’t long before Olly Arnold was on hand to rifle the ball into the bottom corner. 

With the momentum swung and energy levels high all over the pitch, CSKA went for the decisive goals. Dave Payne and Mark Bell were introduced to the game and were immediately combining down the right channel. And the crucial third goal came from some smart build up allowed Olly McDougall in behind the full-back for him to cross low for Olly Arnold to once again smash it in at the near post, a mirrored version of his first goal by all accounts. CSKA weren’t finished there either, as Matt Danes came off the bench to seal the points with just minutes remaining.

It was important for CSKA to get a result after last week’s disappointment and the players truly delivered.