Hawks bow out of Essex Senior Cup

Goals from Kenny Davis, Jordan Cox and a late Sean Marks penalty sealed the win for the Skrill Premier side, but not before Harlow - ranked some 62 positions below the hosts in the Ryman North - had taken a first-half lead courtesy of hot-shot Alex Read’s 33rd goal of the season.

Braintree made just six changes to the starting eleven who were defeated by Welling United just three days earlier. But they were given a tough examination by a Harlow side who have enjoyed a fine run of form to lift them to third place in their division whilst also seeing-off Sky Bet League Two club Southend United on their run to the last eight of the Senior Cup.

The home side squandered a good chance to take the lead in the early minutes when James Mulley rode into the penalty area only to see his low drive well saved by Hawks goalkeeper James May. It was the Iron who enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but, as Harlow grew in confidence, they began to offer a serious threat to the experienced Braintree defence.

The visitors were ultimately rewarded with a 23rd-minute lead as Read latched onto a ball forward before taking advantage of some hesitant defending to calmly fire into the far corner. As the game opened up, tall defender Exodus Geohaghon saw his header thwarted by visiting ‘keeper May and Dan Holman will feel he should’ve done better with his attempted lob of May. Instead the custodian was able to gather his mis-hit effort.

A good chance went begging for the hosts when Holman volleyed Luke Daley’s cross inches over the top from close range before a fine Harlow move saw Read flick a shot just off-target following build-up play involving Leon Antoine and George Smith. Nevertheless, Braintree grabbed the crucial leveller just a minute before the interval, Davis forcing his way into the danger area and rifling a low shot beyond May from ten yards.

Town enjoyed the better of the second-half chances. Holman poked inches wide after Mulley’s corner wasn’t cleared and Mulley himself brought a fine save from May. But it was substitute Cox who turned the tie in the hosts’ favour three minutes after replacing Holman. The ex-Aveley front man neatly turned and controlled inside the box then fiercely fired home.

Harlow’s best chance for an equaliser fell to Read, who couldn’t quite find the bottom corner following a tidy assist from substitute Ben Hart. However, Braintree wrapped the game up in the final minute. Cox’s angled run into the area was halted by a mis-timed Darren William challenge and, following a red card for the Harlow player, Marks stepped up to stroke in Braintree’s third.

Thanks for The Essex FA for the match report