Beleagured Harrow Borough could face a New Year baptism of fire when they host promotion-chasing Staines Town at Earlsmead on Saturday.
Borough, who are still licking their wounds from last weekend's 6-0 derby pummelling at the hands of Wealdstone, head into the game without their star player Robin Shroot who, as the Observer went to press, was set to join Birmingham City.
The Northern Ireland U21 international has agreed a two and a half year deal with the Championship side, with the option of a further year. Shroot agreed to the move to St Andrews last week and was due to travel to the Midlands on Tuesday to sign. A pre-season friendly between the clubs at Earlsmead has also been agreed.
The London-born winger, who qualifies for his country through his grandmother, was courted by a dozen clubs but the Blues stole a march on their rivals by inviting him for trials where he impressed boss Alex McGleish.
Borough, whose resurgence in form prior to last weekend owed much to Shroot's goal-laden displays, will not benefit financially, however, with a compensation package set to be agreed between Birmingham and his former club and registration holder, AFC Wimbledon.
And things get no easier for Harrow, who will be looking to get back on track at home to Staines. The Swans are 17 points behind Ryman Premier leaders Dover Athletic, albeit with three games in hand, and manager Steve Cordery knows there can be no slip ups if they are to catch Andy Hessenthaler's tabletoppers.
And the omens for Harrow are ominous. Staines have not lost on the road since a 4-3 defeat at Wealdstone back in October. Borough have not beaten them in the league since a 1-0 away win in the 2005/06 season while Staines current top scorer is former Harrow hit-man Elliott Onochie.
Borough manager David Howell will now look to the likes of Miles Jones and Gary Noel to supply the firepower.
"Robin has been a pleasure to work with and is very popular amongst the team," said Howell. "He loves playing football and is probably the most talented player along with Albert Adomah that I have worked with as a manager.
"He definitely has a successful career ahead of him as a professional footballer and I'm personally very happy that he is joining a club I know and respect."
