The Borough 3s were in high spirits before the opening of their league campaign. Other than a few injuries, the squad had a strong look with Captain Billy Crow and Vice Skipper Cozens-Smith starting together for their first competitive game of the season.

It was a warm afternoon on REMPF. The 3’s started well with some promising passing work from Purdue and Griffiths.

However, a lapse in communication gifted an early Compton corner. A scramble in the box ensued and led to Rowson scoring his second goal in two games - unfortunately this one was into the roof of his own net as he tried to clear from the line.

The remainder of the first half was back and forth with both sides wrestling for control of the game. The wrestling was taken quite literally by some of the Compton players as Richards then Eriksson painfully found out.

Borough started the second half at a blistering pace and within a few minutes had found the leveller. Their one-touch passing and moving had put Compton on the back foot.

A composed defence beat the opposition press and found Clark in a great position in midfield. Clark played a ball into Eriksson, whose first-time cross found Crow unmarked and with an empty net at the back post.

A cheap foul then gave Compton a free-kick mid-way into the Borough Half. Borough made a meal of defending the set-piece allowing Compton to regain their lead.

A worrying theme for the 3s - six of their last seven goals have been conceded through opposition set plays.

Borough tried to recover and nearly had the chance to level after good work from Small bought a free kick in promising territory. Purdue subsequently forced a decent save as his free-kick beat the wall but could not better the Compton keeper.

The referee then awarded a Compton penalty as Pytlos was deemed to have fouled the opposition striker. Foul or dive remains debated…

The hero Watson, however, produced a wonderful save from the spot-kick. A low strong dive to his right kept Borough in the game to the delight of the team and Hunns on the sideline - “What a save Andy Watson, what a f****** save!”

Borough continued to try to find the equaliser until the referee signalled the end of the game.

A promising team performance against strong opposition.

Special mention also to Paul and Adam for their supporter efforts.