DAVE Anderson admits it was a blow to lose German goalkeeper Max Oberschmidt to Celtic but reckons he has a capable replacement in Alex Tokarczyk.
The Harrow Borough boss picked his first win of the season on Saturday as Rhys Murrell-Williamson struck a late winner to sink Leiston.
That scenario looked unlikely on Friday night though as Anderson was scrambling around for a new shot-stopper, following Fulham’s decision to recall Oberschmidt at short notice.
Martin Jol decided to send the youngster, dubbed the ‘new Oliver Khan’, on loan to the Scottish giants until January, but it left Harrow with a gaping hole between the sticks.
Not one to panic, wily old Anderson dusted off his contacts book to call his old pal Dean Brennan at Hemel Hempstead Town and secured a new number one in time for kick-off.
The Earlsmead chief was disappointed by Fulham’s timing over the Oberschmidt affair but is delighted to have finally got off the mark with three points with his new keeper in place.
“I fully understand why Fulham did it and it’s a great opportunity for Max to go up there and play for Celtic in the UEFA Youth League,” Anderson said. “I understand the rhyme and reason of it but the timing was just awful for me and my football club.
“I tried to sign Alex last year when he was at Farnborough. We’re delighted to get him and I know Dean Brennan well, I managed him at Hendon and AFC Wimbledon, and he did me a favour.
“The chairman did a great job too.”
Another new face was introduced to Borough fans on Saturday as Michael Barrington came off the bench to make his debut following his arrival from Stoke City.
“He’s a lad who’s had injuries but he’s a first-year professional,” Anderson added. “He can play up front as a centre forward or out wide. I think he’ll take a few weeks to settle. Marcel’s a bit young and raw but he’s a big strong lad and has trained with a Premier League club.
Anderson’s Borough entertain Dulwich Hamlet this Saturday and the Northern Irishman is glad he’s not going into the match still looking for his first win.
“Of course you are aware of it when you get to five six games and you haven’t won,” he said. “You are aware of it but experience tells you to put it to the back of your mind and just get on with it.
“Dulwich are the best footballing side in the division. They play football in the right way and I enjoy watching them. We are under no illusions as to how difficult it will be.”
Meanwhile, tenants Hendon drew 1-1 with Lewes at Earlsmead on Saturday – Jefferson Louis scoring for the Greens.
