Harrow Borough boss David Howell was hoping his players could deliver a belated 50th birthday present to him last night (Wednesday) as his side took on bottom-of-the-league Hendon at Northwood.

And with his side just one place above the Ryman Premier whipping boys, only three points would be a good enough gift.

He said: "It was my birthday on Friday last week and I have told the play-ers a win is the present I want from them.

"It is important for us to start building some momentum, and while I am starting to see the performances coming, we really need to be picking up the points.

"Gathering form is obviouslyvery important and it would be fantastic to take that into our FA Trophy game against Chatham Town on Saturday.

"It's not a team we know a great deal about, but a cup run does take some pressure off our league games. It is rewarding financially and, importantly, playing fixtures in the cup means we don't have to sit around without a game when everyone else is playing."

But while the game against Chatham will provide some respite from his side's worrying form in the league, Howell knows the game will probably spell the end of 2008 for key forward Darren Grieves.

Grieves is set to take to the operating table after the tie after a long standing bowel problem and is not expected to play again until early next year.

Howell added: "It is a massive blow for us because he is effectively our main striker.

"It's frustrating because we have started to gel and have managed to build a strong, tight squad, but we will have to get on with it.

"It will force my hand slightly in terms of looking for another striker, but I am always on the lookout and always keen to keep the squad on their toes."

And one player looking to force his way back in to the team, following a short lay-off, is Daniel McGonigle, who returned to the squad this week.