Promotion Rivals battle for a point a piece

The visitors looked sharper from the start with both Robbie Rees and Sam Bantick causing the Hawks problems with their powerful running. The Hawk’s had ‘keeper Ed Thompson to thank for keeping the scores level as early as the 11th minute when we tipped away a fierce strike from James Love. Slowing the Hawks started to get into the game and started to create half chances for themselves. Alex Read saw a glancing header go just wide moments before Fabion Simms had an effort go wide of the far post. James Smith then curled a shot inches wide of Ollie Bowles opposite post.
The ball did end up in the Brentwood net via a close range effort from Alex Read, however, celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee had his flag up for offside.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Sherwin Stanley fired home for the visitors as the Hawks were left fuming that they did not get awarded a free kick deep into the Brentwood half. Instead, a throw-in was awarded and the Hawks lost possession and Brentwood took full advantage as a quick counter attack resulted in Stanley putting the visitors in front, cutting in from the right to tuck the ball past the advancing Thompson.
Just before the break Brentwood almost doubled their advantage when they failed to convert with the ball bouncing around the Hawks six yard box.

Half Time: Harlow Town 0 Brentwood Town 1

Whatever was said at half time seemed to do the trick as the Hawks came out fired up for the second half. Within two minutes of the restart the Hawks were level when Alex Read teed up Dave Cowley who calmly drilled his shot home. This was undoubtedly the Hawks best spell of the game as they started to press hard to take the lead. However, all the time Brentwood looked more than capable on the break.
Shane Stamp was booked in the 67th minute for alleged simulation and then just four minutes later found himself heading for an early shower after challenging with the goalkeeper for a through ball. The Referee Mr Bates deemed this to be a second bookable offence and the Hawks were left to play-out the remainder of the match with ten men. Despite this there was still very little to choose between the two sides, although neither side had any golden opportunities, both sides were still creating half chances that failed to bring either side the three points that they yearned. With the match into stoppage time Referee Bates produced his second red card of the afternoon. This time it was a straight red card for Brentwood’s joint player/manager Danny Dafter for a late challenge. Earlier in the half Dafter had been booked.
All in all it was a full blooded affair that would have kept the 225 crowd entertained.

Full Time: Harlow Town 1 Brentwood Town 1