Hawks back to winning ways

Alex Read struck home a scrappy goal soon after half-time to take the lead for the Hawks, before Billy Jones doubled the scoreline with a well taken goal on the turn.

The first half had left a lot to be desired, with neither side able to put their stamp on the game. The play spent a lot of time in the midfield, without any significant opportunities being created

Harlow had a chance to open the scoring when Alex Read chased a through-ball, but Richard Heywood in the Cheshunt goal came racing off his line to close him down. The ball ricocheted into the path of Billy Jones, whose shot towards the open goal was cleared away by a retreating defender.

Cheshunt created their own chances as the half wore on, Josh Fagbohun finding space on the edge of the area and forcing a good save from Andrew Walker. Adam Bolle then played the ball wide to Mitch Hahn who powered into the box before shooting wide.

HT: Cheshunt 0-0 Harlow Town

After a lacklustre first half performance, whatever was said by Hawks boss Danny Chapman at the break had an immediate impact as Harlow attacked with vigour straight from the kick off.

Billy Jones anticipated the soft back header from Cheshunt defender Ted Llewellyn and deftly knocked it over his head for Alex Read to shoot from close range. The initial shot was saved but Read, lying on the floor, bundled the ball into the net.

The lead was doubled on the 54th minute after a wonderful passage of play down the right hand side. Craig Pope, who had caused problems all afternoon with his attacking runs from right-back, played a neat one-two with Junior Dadson. Pope crossed low to Billy Jones in the box who, with his back to goal, turned and shot with his left foot into the bottom corner.

There was almost a third, when another attack down the right was crossed in at the by-line by Pope, forcing a slice d clearance before a Harlow attacker could convert it.

Cheshunt had a good chance to pull one back, after Josh Urquhart’s clearance fell to Lewis Payne, but his shot went high.

The final 15 minutes were comfortable for Harlow, and they could have put the game to bed with the final chances of the game. Junior Dadson broke through the offside trap and had time to compose before shooting, but once again Heywood was quickly off his line so save well.

Junior Appiah, coming off the bench to replace Dadson, should have scored in injury time, when Robbie Martin’s long diagonal ball fell perfectly to Appiah in plenty of space. He hit it squarely after one bounce but it flew just over the bar.

FT: Cheshunt 0-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 325

The result keeps Harlow top of the league table on 78 points from 36 games. With Needham Market also winning, they remain one point behind with two games in hand. One of their games is due to be placed away to Brentwood on Tuesday 24th February.

Harlow are next in action at home to Barkingside on Saturday 28th February. It will be a 3pm kick off.