Hawks' fight-back puts Needham party on hold

A huge crowd saw an 88th minute equaliser from Harlow’s Craig Pope snatch the title from the home side’s grasp, for at least another week. Needham, knowing that a win would see them become champions, had earlier led by two goals at half-time before substitute Alex Read pulled one back for the visitors.

The opening minutes were cagey, with each side sizing up the other, and Harlow almost got off to a dream start when the ball fell to David Cowley on the 6 yard line. His shot was charged down by Shaun Phillips in the home goal who saved well.

It was the home side that took the lead early though, with their first attack on 11 minutes. A counter-attack down the left wing was crossed to find the Needham top scorer Sam Newson unmarked at the far post, who couldn’t miss the simple tap-in.

Just 10 minutes later Harlow were undone again by yet another counter-attack. Luke Ingram ran down the left with the ball at his feet, riding the challenge of several Harlow players. His shot was parried by Hawks custodian Andrew Walker, but only into the path of Newson who gladly scored his second.

Needham Market’s attacking threat was obvious, and Michael Brothers had a good chance to put the game beyond the Hawks within half an hour. His header was goal-bound but Walker rose well to save.

As the half wore on, Harlow did create half-chances. Layne Eadie had two long-range shots which both blazed over, before Junior Dadson saw his shot blocked before it could trouble the home ‘keeper, and the Hawks ultimately went into the break two goals down.

HT: Needham Market 2-0 Harlow Town

Harlow came out with new purpose after the break, and almost made it count right from the re-start. Jamie Guy held up the ball on the edge of the area, but was fouled as he released the ball to Leon Antoine. The referee played advantage, but Antoine saw his shot well saved by Phillips.

Needham were still dangerous, and another counter-attack down the left fell to Brothers in the Harlow area. Fabion Simms timed his tackle perfectly to steal the ball just as the Needham striker was shaping to shoot.

Harlow were back in the game on 61 minutes when Alex Read, who had come off the bench, headed home. Jared Small chased a ball over the top of the Needham defence before cutting it back to David Cowley. He crossed, and Read beat the ‘keeper to the ball for his 31st league goal of the season.

A decisive moment in the game came when the Hawks saw a goal ruled out for offside. After a scramble in the Needham Market penalty area, Junior Dadson’s powerful shot was diverted into the net by Leon Antoine, but the linesman raised his flag to cut short the celebrations of the travelling support behind the goal.

The home side were clearly rattled as Harlow surged forward looking for an equaliser. Antoine played the ball out to Jared Small on the wing, who cut inside to shoot. Phillips saved low to his right to tip the ball around the post, keeping his side in the lead.

Needham were still looking dangerous, and when a sliced clearance fell to Brothers in the area, Layne Eadie slid in to block the shot heading towards the empty net, preventing a certain goal and keeping the Hawks in the tie.

The visitors were the more likely to score next, and as the 90 minute mark approached Needham couldn’t hold onto the lead. David Cowley floated a free kick towards the back post, and Fabion Simms was on hand to knock back across the goal. Defender Craig Pope was on hand to score his second goal in three games, smashing into the roof of the net from just a yard out.

The goal sent the visiting fans into raptures, and despite heading into injury time there was a belief that there could yet be more to come. Needham Market had a free kick on the edge of the area, but Joe Whight couldn’t keep the shot down and failed to trouble Walker.

Phillips, who had looked proficient in the Needham goal, spilled a cross into the box, which fell to the feel of Harlow’s Billy Jones. With the last kick of the game, his shot was deflected and ran agonisingly wide of the post, and both teams had to settle for a point.

FT: Needham Market 2-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 972

In a game that had been billed as a potential title decider, the Hawks will feel disappointed that the first half performance didn’t quite match that of the second half. The point was enough to prevent Needham Market from winning the title on the day, and takes the race to the final day of the regular league campaign.

Harlow host Thamesmead Town, while Needham have to travel to Chatham Town. The Hawks know that they must win and hope that the Kent side can take points from the league-leaders to win the league.

Kick off will be at 3pm on Saturday 25th April.