Hawks grind out win over rivals

Jamie Guy’s penalty gave the visitors the lead in a drab first half which saw very little in the way of chances created for either side.

Craig Pope then doubled the lead in the second half before Ware converted a penalty of their own. The Hawks saw out the game to gain all three points, and with title-rivals Needham Market drawing, move just one point behind with three games left to play.

The opening period was an apprehensive affair, both sides testing the other’s defence without creating any significant opportunities to test the goalkeepers. It was punctuated with needless fouls and turnovers in possession.

Harlow were most dangerous down the left flank, with Junior Dadson and Layne Eadie working well together, but the final ball was missing and the play broke down in the face of the home defence.

At the other end, Charlie Ledula was putting his pace to good use on Ware’s right wing. He took the ball past Eadie only for his cross to be easily cleared by Daniel Matsuzaka, starting his first game since re-signing for Harlow.

As half-time approached the deadlock was broken from the penalty spot. Marc Gorbell played a ball over the top of the Ware defence for Jamie Guy to run on to. He was bundled into from behind, and the referee pointed to the spot. Guy dusted himself off before confidently placing the ball into the top right corner to give Harlow the lead.

Ware had an opportunity to pull the score level when deep into an injury time Adobaker Eisa rose to head a corner goalwards. It was the first shot on target from open play, and Andrew Walker in the Harlow goal was equal to it, saving well with his legs.

HT: Ware 0-1 Harlow Town

The second half started more brightly, and within minutes of the re-start Leon Antoine saw his overhead kick from a corner go over the bar.

Junior Dadson then seized a moment of good fortune after the ball bounced off the referee, powering into the penalty box. He shot from an acute angle, but Thomas Coulton parried the ball away.

On 67 minutes Harlow doubled the lead. A cross into the Ware box was cleared but only as far as Craig Pope just inside the area. He composed himself before shooting goalwards, and despite Coulton getting two hands to it, the powerful shot deflected over the ‘keeper and into the net.

The game once again descended into a midfield battle, both sides cancelling each other out, but as the full time whistle approached Ware earned a lifeline.

Finbarr Robins broke into the box, and was brought down. Sean Johnson stepped up to take the penalty, and despite Walker choosing the right direction, the placement was too good to keep out.

That set up a nervy ending, with Harlow having to deal with several long balls into the box, but the visitors held on to secure the win and an important three points.

HT: Ware 1-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 221

The win takes Harlow onto 96 points from 43 games, and just one points behind Needham Market on 97. The game between the two sides on April 18th is looking more and more like it could be the title decider.

Before that, the Hawks host Maldon & Tiptree on Saturday 11th April. Kick off is at 3pm.