Harrow Borough manager David Howell was at a loss to explain their poor performance in the defeat to Concord Rangers.

His side suffered a disappointing 3-0 reversal at Concord in the Ryman Premier on Saturday afternoon.

Boro went into the match in good form having climbed into the play-off zone but they were below par as they lost for the second time this season to Concord.

Howell said: “I really don’t know why but the whole performance was poor apart from Nick Jupp who made some excellent saves.

“Defensively we were poor, in midfield we were not at the races and up front we were lacklustre so it was a complete non-performance from the team.”

The visitors had an early opportunity to take the lead when Ryan Watts sent a shot wide of the target.

But the hosts opened the scoring after 19 minutes when Tony Stokes hooked the ball over the goalkeeper.

Concord extended their lead five minutes later when Stokes turned provider and squared the ball for James Elmes to find the net.

Boro thought they had pulled one back before half time but Daniel McGonigle’s effort was inexplicably ruled out by the referee.

Dean Fenton had a great opportunity to get on the scoresheet after the restart but his diving header floated wide of the target.

But the home side killed off the contest in the 59th minute when Elmes found the net after a counter-attack.

To add to Boro’s misery, Chris King mistimed a tackle with 20 minutes left and was given his second yellow card.

Concord nearly added a fourth goal late on but Jupp managed to save Stokes’ shot.

Howell’s side face a tough challenge against second-placed Bury Town at Earlsmead tomorrow. Boro should have good memories of their recent meeting as they earned a 5-2 away win over them earlier this month.

But Howell added: “Just like Horsham, Bury have a chance to do something about it playing us so quickly again. It is not a gimme for us because they are a very strong side who have more than held their own this season.

“Along with Lowestoft they have been one of the outstanding sides in the league this year.”