10-man Hawks held to a draw at Cray

Two early goals put the Hawks in a great position to close the gap at the top of the table when Alex Read and Junior Appiah put Harlow ahead. Defensive frailties would prove to cost the Hawks as Cray pulled one back straight away. A red card in the second half for Harlow’s Billy Jones gave the hosts more hope, before a late equaliser ensured the points were shared.

Harlow were looking to erase the memories of the defeat against Thamesmead in the previous game, and the attacking intent paid dividends immediately. Alex Read latched onto a through-ball, and played a pass inside to Junior Appiah, who slid the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper into the back of the net.

The Hawks continued to push forward and it looked as though the Cray defence would have a busy afternoon, as first David Cowley put a strike narrowly over, before Appiah was fouled as he broke through the defence. Cray’s Max Fitzgerald was booked for his efforts. From the resulting free kick Read hit just wide of the post.

The second goal came before long, when Cowley’s free kick was met by Alex Read. His first shot was blocked, but the rebound fell to the Harlow striker, who netted for his 32nd goal of the season to put the Hawks two up on 19 minutes.

Cray hit back immediately, Dmitri Larin with an unchallenged header from a corner, and the hopes of the first clean sheet in seven games dissolved.

Harlow continued to press forward, both Read and Billy Jones having penalty appeals waved away, but it was Cray who almost got the next goal before half-time as Ed Thompson was required to save low and to his left from a free kick that was hearing into the net

HT: Cray Wanderers 1-2 Harlow Town

Harlow created further half-chances in the opening periods of the second chance. Alex Read was just inches from connecting with a cross from the right, and then he had a shot blocked in the box by Cray’s Fitzgerald.

It was the hosts that next had the ball in the next, however the goal didn’t stand. Cray broke down the left and the effort was finished well, but the assistant referee waited an age before signalling for offside to the relief of the following fans.

The game’s most controversial moment occurred on 73 minutes as Harlow forward Billy Jones was shown a straight red card. He had made a tough tackle, winning the ball, but after consulting with his assistant the referee deemed it to have been a reckless challenge.

Cray had been pushing to score an equaliser, with their tails up the goal came shortly after. It was another long cross towards the back post. Shaun Welford rose highest to head into the far corner of the net.

There was just enough time for late drama, as firstly Harlow had a chance to win the game. Jared Small saw his low shot saved well by former Harlow ‘keeper Darren Behcet, and Cowley’s rebound shot was collected.

Then, deep into injury time, Ed Thompson in the Harlow goal pulled out the save of the game. A close range shot was hit with power, and Thompson reacted low and to his right to get a hand to the ball and push it away, securing a point for the Hawks.

FT: Cray Wanderers 2-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 208

Harlow will be disappointed not to have sewn up the game early on, given the host of chances in the early stages. Two consecutive trips to Kent have returned just one point, and defensive errors, specifically from set-plays have cost the Hawks dearly.

This current run of form is the first poor patch this season, and it will be vital to get back to winning ways as soon as possible to keep up the title chase. The result leaves Harlow second in the league on 58 points, three behind leaders Needham Market.

The next game for the Hawks is on Boxing Day, at home to Ware. It’s a 1pm kick off.