Harlow see off Waltham Abbey in New Year’s Day derby

The Hawks had took the lead late in an even first half when Fabion Simms bundled home the ball from close range, and then Billy Jones doubled the scoreline with a fine header during a dominant period after the break.

Waltham Abbey pulled a goal back after a failed attempted clearance, but Harlow were on top in the second half and saw the game out to seal the win.

The game began in a tentative manner, which would go on to sum up the first half, and both sides could only carve out half-chances in the opening exchanges.

Shane Stamp had the first real opportunity to take the lead when Junior Appiah crossed from the right, but Stamp’s volley sailed high over the bar. Minutes later another Appiah cross was begging to be hit home, but it bobbled up just in front of David Cowley who couldn’t help but to also hit it over.

Stamp then showed a moment of individual brilliant dribbling the ball around four defenders and into the opposition penalty area, but his miscued shot went yards wide, denying what would have been a great solo goal.

It was then the turn of the hosts to put the pressure on, forcing Harlow ‘keeper Ed Thompson into a string of saves. He first had to dive low to tip a free kick around the post, and then an instinctive save kept out a shot from former Harlow player Ben Hart who had turned his defender.

The deadlock was broken shortly before the half-time whistle. An inswinging corner from David Cowley wasn’t cleared by the Abbey defence, and it fell to Fabion Simms on the edge of the 6-yard box to react quickest and scramble it into the net.

HT: Waltham Abbey 0-1 Harlow Town

Harlow came out in the second half firing, and created a host of chances. Junior Appiah on the right wing and Shane Stamp on the left were causing problems, and Alex Read, Joshua Urquhart and Appiah all had good opportunities to double the lead.

That accolade went to Billy Jones, whose hard work throughout the game was rewarded with a goal on 63 minutes. David Cowley was the provider again, his ball into the box headed just inside the post by Jones.

Waltham Abbey were restricted in both possession and chances in the second half, but they scored against the run of play in the 76th minute to set up a tense finale. A long ball forward saw Ed Thompson come off his line and through a number of players. His punch fell to a Abbey’s Darelle Russell whose shot hit the post before he smashed the rebound into the roof of the net from close range.

Waltham Abbey pressed forward looking to cause a late upset, but the Harlow defence held firm, while Junior Appiah’s pace was still threatening down the right wing. As the game drew to a close, the Abbotts had one last counter-attack, but Ed Thompson was on hand to save well.

FT: Waltham Abbey 1-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 226

Both teams created chances in the opening 45 minutes, but it was Harlow’s dominance of the second half that changed the game. The Hawks could have been several goals to the good if the finishing had been more clinical, but they saw out the game to take the three points.

Harlow’s rivals for the league title, Needham Market, left it late before scoring a 93rd minute winner, which leaves both sides on 64 points, although the Suffolk side have played a game less.

There won’t be any rest for the players during the traditionally busy footballing time, as the next game is at home to Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday 3rd January with a 3pm kick off.