HARROW Borough's latest goal sensation, Gary Noel, got a birthday blast from his manager despite bagging four goals in a crucial victory over local rivals Hendon last weekend.

Noel celebrated turning 19 with a stunning display of finishing to lead Harrow to their first home league win over the Greens in almost nine years, yet Borough boss David Howell was peeved he failed to add to his tally.

And while the victory eased Harrow's Ryman Premier relegation fears and deepened Hendon's crisis near the bottom, Howell has warned Noel not to get too cocky if he wants to follow ex-Borough stars Albert Adomah (Barnet) and Robin Shroot (Birmingham City) into the Football League.

Noel is the first Harrow player to have scored four goals in a league match since John

Lawford achieved the feat in an 8-2 win over Carshalton Athletic in October 1998.

"All four goals were identical, you see them scored in the Premier League every week," said Howell. "That is how you finish - with a low hard drive. Gary is a natural finisher but his work rate was questionable in the second half - he thought he had 'arrived'. If he had worked harder he would have scored more."

Howell's show of tough love is clearly intended to spur on the teenager and get him to produce the same consistency that saw impish winger Shroot attract the attentions of several clubs with some classy goal-laden displays. And having been in and out of the side since joining from Dulwich Hamlets last November, Noel will be keen to prove he is the real deal.

"Gary was not doing what I wanted him to do and that is why he was out of the side," added Howell. "It was a bitter pill to swallow for him but he has come back and performed really well."

Howell decided to take a punt on Noel after watching him play against Hendon twice in cup matches last year. He was not getting a look-in at Dulwich and Noel jumped at the chance to come to Earlsmead.

"He came down to train and has never looked back," commented the Harrow boss. "When you have been involved in football for as long as I have you see something in a player from time to time. Albert was special, Robin was special and Gary is special. But he now has to produce the goods on a regular basis. He is still too lazy and has to step up his work-rate and do more for the team.

"If he thinks I won't drop him just because he has scored four in a game, he is mistaken. He has to produce what I ask him to produce. He needs to apply himself more mentally."