New Guy seeing double as Harlow ease to win

Jamie Guy went straight into the starting line-up and instantly justified his place with two goals on his first appearance. Junior Dadson had put the Hawks ahead early in the game, and Billy Jones rounded off the scoring to give Harlow a comfortable victory.

Going into the game, the visitors could not be underestimated, but on the day the superior performance from Harlow Town out-classed the opposition, earning a vital three points that keeps up the pressure on table-topping Needham Market.

The game couldn’t have got off to a better start for the Hawks. Jamie Guy held up the ball and passed to Jared Small just outside the area, who neatly played it through the legs of Brightlingsea left-back Jake Gould before reaching the byline and flashing the ball across the face of the goal. Junior Dadson was at the back post to hit it home from a couple of yards out to give Harlow the lead within two minutes.

Brightlingsea had their own chance at the opposite end, but the long-range shot from Matt Cripps was tipped over the bar by Andrew Walker who didn’t have many saves to make throughout the afternoon.

Harlow then doubled the lead. Jared Small played the perfectly weighted through-ball for Jamie Guy to run on to, and he had time to calmly slot the one-on-one chance under the advancing keeper to start his goal tally just 13 minutes into his debut.

Brightlingsea once again tried to respond, but Ben Newson’s free header was matched by Walker diving to his right.

As the game approached half-time, Junior Dadson turned provider as he beat defender Warren Joseph to the ball. Dadson’s cross across the face of goal was met by a grateful Jamie Guy who smashed the ball into an empty net from close range.

HT: Harlow Town 3-0 Brightlingsea Regent

Brightlingsea started the second half with a lot more energy. Oliver Canfer played a lob through-ball to Phil Kelly, who took it down well before shooting. Andrew Walker got a hand to it to punch away.

As the second half progressed, Harlow began to take the upper hand again and Junior Dadson had a couple of great chances to score. He burst into the penalty area after a great pass forward from Leon Antoine, but Brightlingsea custodian Andrew Plummer saved well. Minutes later, after an almost identical move, the shot went agonisingly wide of the post.

Meanwhile, Jamie Guy nearly took his tally to three with what would have been a goal of the season contender. Layne Eadie crossed from the left and Guy, with his back to goal, back-heeled a volley that was just tipped over the bar.

Harlow were in control of the game but with the league table being so close, goal-difference could yet prove to be crucial. With 10 minutes of normal time left, Billy Jones got himself on the score sheet.

A Layne Eadie cross was headed away to the far side of the area, but it only fell to the feet of Jared Small. The pace of Small on the right wing had caused the Brightlingsea defence problems throughout the game and he made it a hat-trick of assists when he struck the ball back across goal to be turned in by Jones on the 6 yard line.

FT: Harlow Town 4-0 Brightlingsea Regent
ATTENDANCE: 220

The result made it five wins in a row for the Hawks, but it will be the performance that gives the greatest cause for celebration, as they were never really in any danger throughout the game.

The top four teams in the league all won including Needham Market, so they remain five points ahead of Harlow, each with just 6 games to play.

The next game for Harlow is at away to Chatham Town, on Saturday 28th March. Kick off will be at 3pm.