Hawks defeat Magpies for vital 3 points

The game started as a cagey affair with both teams having to adjust to the swirling wind. It was the home side that created the first opportunity when Liam Wales broke through the Harlow defence. Layne Eadie came across with a covering tackle to clear the ball, but with the Magpies just outside the playoff places their attacking intentions were clear.

Harlow took the lead mid-way through the half. Junior Dadson won the ball in the opposition penalty area and crossed low towards the penalty spot. Jared Small expertly shielded the ball from the Dereham defender, allowing it to run across him into the path of Billy Jones. The young striker picked his spot and finished neatly beyond the reach of Andy Wilton in the Dereham goal.

The goal signalled a flurry of activity from the Harlow attack, and they were unlucky not to double the lead soon after. Craig Pope crossed from the right, and Dereham right-back Olly Willis sliced his clearance into the path of Junior Dadson. His shot was blocked by Harry Barker who dived in front of it at the last second.

David Cowley then saw a goal-bound free kick well saved, before Pope’s header was caught by the home ‘keeper, and despite the period of dominance the Dereham defence held firm.

Dereham created sporadic chances, the best coming from a stroke of luck. A Harlow clearance deflected off Ross Bailey, but before he could chase down the ball Andrew Walker raced out of his goal to collect it.

As the half came to an end, Leon Antoine laid off the ball to Billy Jones, but his curling shot was well saved, and Harlow went into the break feeling as though they should have been more than just one goal to the good.

HT: Dereham Town 0-1 Harlow Town

Dereham started the second half well. A free kick fell to Luke Tuttle at the back post, but his show was saved and held by Hawks custodian Andrew Walker. Walker was called into action again minutes later, when Tuttle chested down into Wales’ path, but one again the ‘keeper was equal to the shot.

Billy Jones once again went close to getting his second goal. Layne Eadie laid off to Junior Dadson in the box, and his left shot flew across the face of the goal. Jones got his foot to the ball, but the slightest of touches wasn’t enough to deflect it into the goal.

The Hawks defence were restricting Dereham to half-chances, but as the minutes ticked past there was always the danger of a late equaliser.

Harlow had chances to seal the game late on. Dadson burst into the opposition area before sending a shot wide, and then in injury time David Cowley counter-attacked, running the length of the pitch. Just as he unleashed his shot the ball bobbled up cruelly, reflecting the hard surface that both teams had been struggling with all afternoon, and the ball flew over the bar.

The single goal from Billy Jones, who had worked tirelessly throughout the game, sealed the win and in the process put a dent in Dereham Town’s hopes of making the playoffs.

FT: Dereham Town 0-1 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 188

The result saw Harlow earn a vital three points, even more important after Needham Market also won. It leaves the Hawks five points behind the leaders with seven games left to play.

The next game for Harlow is at home to Brightlingsea Regent, on Saturday 21st March. Kick off will be at 3pm.