Harrow Borough’s hopes of avoiding relegation suffered another blow after a 3-2 home defeat to Metropolitan Police.

Their latest setback left the Reds with just one win from their last 17 games.

The match started promisingly enough though as Boro took the lead after 26 minutes. The hosts won a free-kick and Garry Jones laid the ball off to Frankie Merrifield who struck a 25-yard effort into the roof of the net.

Met Police nearly equalised straight away but Billy Crook’s effort rebounded off the post.

The visitors grabbed a soft equaliser in the 58th minute when Ty Smith’s free-kick went straight through the hands of keeper Ross Fitzsimons.

Boro regained the lead after 71 minutes when the ball fell to Danny Leech eight yards out and he blasted it home.

The equaliser came 11 minutes from time when substitute David Knight ran clear and netted.

Met Police then punished Boro as they grabbed the winner three minutes from time. Craig Watkins fired the ball home to seal another deflating result for the Reds.

Boro were also well beaten at the weekend as they lost 3-0 at Canvey Island.

Dave Anderson’s side held their own in the first 45 minutes but three second-half goals sent them to defeat.

The Reds, who are third bottom of the Ryman Premier, visit East Thurrock United this weekend.