Harrow Borough conceded a late goal to lose 2-1 at home to Ryman Premier Division strugglers Thamesmead Town.

Borough, now 16th in the table, started the game 13 points ahead of their opponents but failed to capitalise on a dominant display in the first half and defensive errors proved costly.

The win, Thamesmead’s third of the season, lifted the visitors off the bottom of the league.

Borough captain Rob Wolleaston missed the match with a calf injury with Danny Leech replacing him in midfield.

Harrow started with energy and verve and it wasn’t a surprise that they soon tested the keeper as Saheed Sankoh’s rasping shot was touched onto the bar and over.

Moments later the home side were denied by the woodwork for a second time and again it was Sankoh involved as his shot cannoned back off the right-hand post.

Borough’s assault on the Thamesmead goal continued as Jordan Berry, Victor Osubu and Steve Butterworth all went close.

But without a goal to show for their early pressure, Harrow gradually surrendered the initiative and Thamesmead gained in confidence. Four minutes before half-time the visitors took the lead.

Ryan Parsons’s long cross-field pass was intercepted and the ball was played into Mikel Suarez who, with his back to goal, was allowed to turn by Michael Peacock and dispatch a low shot past James Shea.

Harrow were handed a golden chance to equalise three minutes into the second period as Sankoh was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Butterworth stepped up but his penalty was an ideal height for saving and as the Thamesmead stopper palmed the ball away, the visitors held on to their 1-0 advantage.

Borough’s Calum Willock was unfortunate not to see his cross end up in the net after it deflected towards goal but Thamesmead were also threatening as Suarez’s powerful shot came down off the crossbar.

In the 71st minute, the hosts did draw level as Willock was tripped twenty yards out and Shaun Lucien dispatched a well-struck free-kick into the net.

With less than 20 minutes left, Harrow were eager to go on and win the game but in truth, the home side created few clear-cut chances.

Willock nearly won it for the hosts as his header was hacked off the line.

With two minutes left it was Thamesmead who stole all three points as Junior Baker was left unmarked from a corner and he powered his header into the net to claim a surprise win.

Harrow will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they travel to Canvey Island.