The title-chasing Eastern League Division 1 South side were trailing 2-0 going into the last 10 minutes at Coles Park but a fine game was sadly brought to an early end when the referee deemed it unwise to continue after a series of unsavoury incidents, including a double sending off.

Borough had defended superbly against senior opposition and although unable to seriously test the visiting ‘keeper, had put together some promising attacks and were in no mood to regard the outcome as settled.

It will be for the London County Cup Committee to decide if the result should stand, or the match be replayed.

Arsenal made the early running with Borough ‘keeper Lekesha James in frequent action but she could do nothing about the low close-range shot which put the Gunners ahead after some 10 minutes as the ball was worked in from the left.

Borough never allowed their high flying opponents too much time on the ball, with the back line snapping into tackles, while Naomi Graham was booked as she continued to contest the midfield vigorously.

The pace of Nicolle Houston and Michelle Thomas down the flanks gave the visiting defence cause for concern on occasions but the centre of the Arsenal defence was solid and assured.

In the second half, Arsenal found the net three times but twice from offside positions. The one which did count was a fine long diagonal ball out of defence, which enabled a striker to run clear from an onside position and James had no chance with her finish.

Borough shrugged off this reverse and enjoyed more of the possession than they had previously done but the game went downhill after Houston and an Arsenal player clashed and were both dismissed. Eventually the referee decided he had had enough and called a halt to the proceedings.

Barring any replay, Haringey are back in league action at Royston Town on Sunday, as they look to catch leaders Colchester Town with games in hand, two of which are crucially against the top team.

Meanwhile, Arsenal Reserves face the first of three semi-finals, starting away to Bristol Academy in the FA Premier Reserve Section Cup. They also visit MSA in the London Cup (subject to confirmation) on February 19th, followed a week later by a home Herts Cup tie with their counterparts from Watford.